Rather than assuming that every baby must be born on or before its due date, many care providers now advise that their patients have a non-stress test (NST) to confirm the health of the baby after the due date has passed. There may also be other reasons for having an NST. What do you need to know about this common test during late pregnancy?
When Would Your Care Provider Recommend a Non-stress Test?
Non-stress tests are often recommended for expectant mothers who have passed their due dates. If you are concerned about your baby's lack of movement or your care provider has noticed that your baby's growth pattern has slowed or stopped, an NST would also likely be advised. Your care provider might also suggest that you have a non-stress test if you have having pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or there is concern about preterm labor.
What is a Non-stress Test?
Non-stress tests can be performed right in your doctor's office and take about 20-45 minutes to complete. An ultrasound monitor (or Dopplar) that detects your baby's heart rate is attached with belts to your abdomen. A second device is also attached a bit higher on your abdomen which records any uterine contractions. When your baby moves, the NST monitor will make a recording of your baby's heart rate during his/her own movements.
What Does a Non-stress Test Tell You About Your Baby?
One of the things that your care provider will be looking for is how your baby's responds during periods of movement. Just like your heart will beat faster if you run down the street and back, your provider will want to observe how your baby's heart rate changes with activity. If your baby's heart rate increases with movement or contractions, this is called a reactive NST.
Sometimes babies will not move much during the test if they are asleep. If this is the case, the nurse will use a buzzer to wake the baby up!
What if Your NST is Non-Reactive?
If your baby's heart beat slows down with movement or for other reasons your care provider is not reassured by the result of the NST, sometimes additional testing is recommended. One of those tests is known as a biophysical profile.
An NST that is non-reactive may indicate that your baby is not getting adequate oxygen or that the placenta is not functioning as well as it should. Sometimes if your NST test results are non-reactive, your care provider might recommend that your labor be induced. Be sure to discuss various forms of labor induction and preparation for labor including cervical ripening agents with your care provider before scheduling an induction.
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