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Non-Stress Test (NST) in Mukundapur

Non-Stress Test (NST)

Non-Stress Test (NST) in Mukundapur

A non-stress (NST) test is a pregnancy screening test that is conducted to measure foetal heart rate and reaction to movement. Your pregnancy care provider advises a nonstress test in order to make sure that the foetus is healthy and getting enough oxygen. It is typically conducted after 28 weeks of pregnancy when the foetal heart rate starts reacting to movements.

If the non-stress test is conducted along with a foetal ultrasound, it is called a biophysical profile (BPP). At Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, our experts in the Obstetrics and Gynaecological Departments will take care of your health during your entire pregnancy journey. We ensure top-notch mother and infant care with advanced technical facilities and skilled professionals.

FAQ's

The nonstress test is a simple, non-invasive method to check the health of your developing baby in the womb. When combined with recording uterine contractions, this test is also called a cardiotocography, as it records the foetal movement, contractions, and heartbeat of your baby. It even recognises the changes in heart rhythm when your baby goes from resting to moving or during contractions in labour. In an active state, your baby's heart should beat faster, just like yours. This test will assure you that your baby is healthy and getting enough oxygen. It's called a nonstress test because the test won’t stress you or your baby, and it records the natural movements of the baby.

One typical test for expectant mothers is the nonstress test. Your doctor may advise this test to check the health of your baby after weeks 26 to 28 of pregnancy. Based on the results of these tests, your doctor will decide the treatment plan to monitor your baby’s health and, if necessary, advise further tests or schedule delivery.

You may require the non-stress test if:

  • You have complications during pregnancy, especially if you have more than one baby in your womb.

  • You had complications from a past pregnancy.

  • Your baby’s movement is less than usual.

  • You have certain medical conditions during your pregnancy, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.

  • You have Rh sensitisation (it is a condition where your blood type and the baby’s don’t match each other).

  • You have low levels of amniotic fluid in your womb.

Usually, this test is safe for you and your baby. First, your doctor will check your blood pressure before the test. Then, you should lie down with two belts around your belly; one will measure your baby's heartbeat, and the other will measure contractions. Your doctor will frequently check your blood pressure from time to time while they test your baby.

If you feel your baby’s kick or move, you may need to press a button so that your doctor can see the change in your baby's heartbeat while moving. The test will usually take around 20 minutes.

If your baby is sleeping during the test, a nurse may try to wake it up by making sounds with a bell, moving your belly, or using an acoustic stimulator.

A normal nonstress test indicates that your baby is getting enough oxygen with a normal heartbeat and is doing well. If the test results are found to be unusual, then your doctor may advise further testing.

An NST can provide you with one of the two outcomes:

  • Reactive result: It means that your baby’s heart rate was up to the expected level at least twice during the test.

  • Non-reactive result: It means your baby’s heart rate is not as expected during the test. It doesn't necessarily mean there’s a problem. You can even get this result if your baby is sleeping. If this test is nonreactive, your doctor may advise other tests.

You need not worry if your baby doesn't move during the test. Most of the women with nonreactive results turn out to have healthy babies. Sometimes, babies may sleep throughout the whole test. So, there are chances that you may or may not get appreciable movement during the test.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you are advised to have the nonstress test weekly or twice weekly after reaching 28 weeks. You might need only one isolated NST if your baby is not moving well. Your doctor may advise this test more often, depending on your situation.

The tests that are similar to the non-stress test include the contraction stress test. Your doctor may suggest this test if you've had a non-reactive result with a non-stress test or if you are in the 34th week or more than 34 weeks of pregnancy.

This test is completely painless. It uses the monitor sensors that are placed on your belly during the test.

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