What is the purpose of a stress test during pregnancy?

A contraction stress test checks to see if your baby will stay healthy during contractions when you are in labor. This test includes external fetal heart monitoring. The test is done when you are 34 or more weeks pregnant. During a contraction, the blood and oxygen supply to your baby drops for a short time.

What happens if you fail a non stress test during pregnancy?

A non-stress test is noninvasive and does not pose any type of risk to the pregnant person or the fetus. If the test is failed, it usually indicates that more tests, further monitoring, or special care orders will be needed.

Is non-stress test necessary?

Typically, a nonstress test is recommended when it’s believed that the baby is at an increased risk of death. A nonstress test may be done after 26 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Certain nonstress test results might indicate that you and your baby need further monitoring, testing or special care.

How do you read contractions on NST?

When you’re looking at the screen, the fetal heart rate is usually on the top and the contractions at the bottom. When the machine prints out graph paper, you’ll see the fetal heart rate to the left and the contractions to the right. Sometimes it’s easier to read printouts by looking at them sideways.

How do you read contractions on a non-stress test?

Does a non-stress test show contractions?

A non-stress test is a test that checks your baby’s heartbeat patterns. It can show heart rate changes when the baby moves. It also shows changes when you have contractions, if you’re having them. A fetal heart rate that speeds up when the baby moves means the baby is getting enough oxygen.

How are contractions measured on NST?

Your doctor will take your blood pressure before the test. Then, you’ll lie down with two belts around your belly. One measures your baby’s heartbeat and the other measures contractions.