Non-stress test (NST) - What it is?
The non-stress test, also known as cardiotocography, is a non-invasive prenatal test. In response to your baby's movements, it records and evaluates his or her heart rate. It causes no stress to you or your baby and is completely safe, that’s why it is named a non-stress test.
Who needs to get the NST done?
The Non-Stress Test is recommended for all pregnant women, but it is especially important in high-risk pregnancies. It is usually done between the 26th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The doctor can tell you if the baby is growing normally or if it requires regular and vigilant monitoring on the basis of the results. The test becomes even more crucial if you have:
- Multiple pregnancies
- Complications during previous pregnancies
- Complications during the current pregnancy
- High blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems
- Decreased fetal movement
- Rh-negative blood group
- Bump smaller than expected
Why is NST done?
This test is used to determine the health of the fetus. It's a tool for detecting placental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia during pregnancy. If the non-stress test is non-reactive, that means that your baby isn't getting enough oxygen and that additional testing may be required.
What to expect from NST?
In a reactive non-stress test, the baby's heart rate is expected to increase in response to movement or contractions, which is considered normal and indicates that your baby is growing normally. Do not panic if your baby's heart rate does not accelerate; it could simply mean that your baby is sleeping.
How is NST done?
NST is an outpatient procedure that takes 20-30 minutes and is completely safe for both you and your baby.
Before beginning the test, the doctor will take your blood pressure. You'll need to lie down with two belts around your stomach. One belt monitors your baby's heartbeat, while the other monitors its contractions. In case you are pregnant with a pair of twins then you will have to wear extra belts to check their heartbeats. Throughout the test, your blood pressure will be checked at regular intervals. Whenever your baby moves or kicks, or during contractions, the doctor checks its heartbeat. If your baby falls asleep, the nurse may rub your belly, ring a bell, or use an acoustic device to wake him or her up.
Results of NST:
The test results provide crucial information about the baby's health and whether it is receiving adequate oxygen. A Non-Stress Test can be either:
Reactive: During the test, the baby's heart rate reached the expected level (at least twice as normal).
Non-Reactive: During the test, the baby's heart rate did not reach the expected level. This can happen If the test is performed while the baby is sleeping, or could also indicate placental insufficiency or fetal hypoxia. In such cases, your doctor may recommend that you undergo additional testing.
What if NST results are non-reactive?
If your baby doesn't react to the test, don't panic. When a baby isn't in the mood to change positions, it will sleep through the entire process, resulting in a non-reactive result.
If your result is non-reactive, your doctor may recommend a Contraction Stress Test. It is performed after the mother has reached the gestational age of 34 weeks. The test causes contractions and measures how your baby's heart responds. A healthy heartbeat, whether normal or accelerated, indicates that your baby will be healthy during labor. If the baby's heart rate drops during contractions, it indicates fetal growth retardation or oxygen deficiency.
In some cases, additional tests or early delivery might be recommended.
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