Non-Stress Testing
The fetal heart rate responds to activity. If we exercise, or perform any activity our heart rate will increase. The healthy fetus will do the same. If there is any concern about the well being of the fetus, or if the pregnancy extends beyond term (see Post Date Pregnancy), Non-stress testing is employed. An external fetal monitor is applied. This is done routinely in a physician’s office, usually taking less then 45 minutes and is absolutely safe to mother and baby.
The mother is given a pushbutton and asked to press it each time the baby moves. A healthy baby’s heart rate will rise for a measurable period of time in response to its own movement. By measuring this increase in heart rate in response to fetal movement, fetal well-being can be confirmed. If the heart rate does not increase or inadequately responds to movement or the baby fails to move then there may be a process occurring that if allowed to continue, could harm the baby!
When a Non-Stress test confirms fetal well being, it is called a reactive test; if the heart rate does not respond, as it should then the test is called non-reactive. When there is a non-reactive test further evaluation must be done. If the non-reactive test is ignored, then whatever process is causing the poor testing results can cause damage to the baby. Further testing may include:
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