A normal NST result reassures that the baby is healthy and well-oxygenated, with two heart rate accelerations in 20 minutes. High-risk pregnancies or late-term cases may require more frequent NSTs for monitoring.
A Non-Stress Test (NST) is a prenatal test done in the third trimester to monitor fetal health by evaluating heart rate responses to movements, ensuring the baby is thriving and receiving enough oxygen.
The test is called “non-stress” because it doesn’t apply stress to the baby. Unlike invasive tests, it simply observes natural movements and heart rate, making it a safe and comfortable screening option.
NST is a non-invasive, risk-free procedure that ensures no discomfort to the fetus while providing essential insights into fetal well-being. It helps detect any potential concerns early.
NST is commonly performed in routine prenatal care, especially for high-risk pregnancies, to assess if the baby is developing well and receiving enough oxygen for proper growth and health.
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The NST test measures: These measurements are critical for assessing the baby’s well-being. Each parameter plays a vital role: the fetal heart rate indicates oxygen levels and overall health, fetal movements reflect the baby’s activity and responsiveness, and uterine contractions ensure they are not causing stress to the baby. They help ensure that the baby is receiving adequate oxygen and responding appropriately to its environment, particularly through heart rate patterns.
A healthy baby will have a normal baseline heart rate (110-160 beats per minute) with periodic accelerations.
Movements are associated with temporary increases in heart rate, which indicate good oxygenation and overall fetal well-being.
The test monitors any contractions to ensure they are not affecting the baby’s heart rate patterns.
A painless, risk-free test for mother and baby, safe for repeated use, especially in high-risk pregnancies.
The test takes about 30 minutes, making it a convenient and efficient part of routine prenatal care.
Identifies potential issues early, allowing timely intervention for better outcomes for mother and baby.
A Non-Stress Test (NST) is a prenatal test commonly performed during the third trimester of pregnancy to monitor the health and well-being of the fetus. It evaluates how the baby’s heart rate responds to movements, providing valuable insights into fetal health.
An NST is recommended in cases of high-risk pregnancies, concerns about reduced fetal movements, post-term pregnancies, or medical conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertension.
The NST is performed by placing two sensors on the abdomen to monitor the baby’s heart rate and uterine contractions. The procedure is non-invasive and usually takes 20-30 minutes.
Normal NST results indicate that the baby’s heart rate shows at least two accelerations within a 20-minute period, each lasting at least 15 seconds and increasing by at least 15 beats per minute, signaling good oxygenation and responsiveness.
Non-reactive results may require additional tests, such as a biophysical profile (BPP) or contraction stress test (CST), to assess fetal well-being. In some cases, early delivery may be recommended to ensure the baby’s safety.