Nonstress Test (NST Test): Procedure Purpose, Risks and What to Expect

What Exactly is a Nonstress Test?

A Pregnancy Fetal Nonstress Test is one of the common tests that will be conducted to look at the baby’s health conditions. The baby’s heart rate is monitored thoroughly and the movements are checked. 

A Pregnancy Fetal Nonstress Test is performed in most cases where the baby is suspected to be at risk of death. This test is performed within 26-28 weeks of pregnancy. The nonstress test results will tell if the baby and the mother are healthy or need any type of special care or tests. Fortunately, this Reactive Nonstress Test will not put the baby or the mother at any type of physical risk.

What is The Procedure for a Nonstress Test?

A nonstress test involves the presence of two monitors to track the heartbeat and movement of the baby. To monitor all these recordings, a technician will be by the mother’s side. The contractions will be recorded on paper, whereas the heartbeat will be monitored on the screen.

During the test, if there is no movement of the baby, the technician will stimulate actions with the help of a buzzer to wake the baby up. There are cases where the mother will be asked to drink water or eat something to stimulate the movement of the baby.

What is The Purpose of The Nonstress Test?

Many questions arise when it comes to nonstress tests. One of the main reasons why a Non-stress test is performed is when the doctor suspects risks in the pregnancy or when the delivery date has passed. 

A nonstress test is performed to determine if there is any inadequacy in oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus.

BPP- Biophysical profile is a test involving ultrasound and NST. This test checks the baby’s breathing, movements, heart response, and the quantity of amniotic fluid.

The following reasons are why a nonstress test is performed: 

• Any complications with a previous pregnancy
• Cases of multiple pregnancies with complications
• Type 1 diabetes during pregnancy
• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Due date past 2 weeks 
• Reduced baby movements or any growth problems
• Low amniotic fluid 

Know About: Double Marker Test For Pregnancy.

What to Expect in a Nonstress Test?

During 26-28 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s movements will be precise and can be noted if it’s proper or not. Thus, a nonstress test is done during these months.

Before The Procedure:

• Before the nonstress test, the mother's blood pressure will be taken.

During The Procedure:

• During the procedure, the mother will be made to lie on a reclining chair. Blood pressure will be taken at regular intervals of time.
• A sensor will be placed around the abdomen to measure the baby’s heartbeat and rate.
• A typical nonstress test will last for 20 minutes. If the baby is asleep, the test may take more time.

After the procedure:

• After the nonstress test, the healthcare provider or the doctor will discuss the results with the mother.

Nonstress Test Interpretation:

There are two types of results for a nonstress test. They are:

• Reactive:

Reactive results are normal results during the 32nd week of pregnancy. Here, the baby’s heartbeat will increase up to a level for some time. After 32 weeks, if the heart rate of the baby is still accelerating every 10 seconds, the results are normal or reactive.

• Non-Reactive:

If the above-mentioned condition is not fulfilled by the end of 32 weeks, the results are considered non-reactive or abnormal. Non Reactive results can also result because the baby would have been asleep or inactive.

If the results are nonreactive, the doctor will conduct another test to check on the health of the baby. Here are some of the additional test lists that will be done, if the initial test results are nonreactive:

• Biophysical Test:

A biophysical test involves a combination of a nonstress test and an ultrasound test. With the help of this test, the movements, muscle tone, and the quantity of amniotic fluid level of the baby can be recorded and known. 

• Contraction Stress Test:

A contraction stress test is a test that records the heartbeat of the baby whenever the uterus of the mother contracts.

The doctor will ask if the mother is willing to undergo another test. 

Note: If the mother has been non-reactive for the first time and has reactive results during the second time, the second test is considered as the final result.

Parting Words

To conclude, the nonstress test is an important test performed during pregnancy. Just like any other test, a prenatal foetal nonstress test is also important. If there is any discomfort or feeling that the heartbeat or movements of the baby are not normal, a nonstress test is a safer side solution. Reach out to your doctor if you feel any type of discomfort.