Tests for Fetal Well-being

Not all women will require these tests. However, your physician may feel you do because of certain maternal or fetal factors.

CST (Contraction Stress Test)

Certain maternal conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes can cause the placenta to be less healthy and can ultimately affect the baby. If your physician is concerned that you are at a risk of this happening, you may be scheduled for a CST.

A CST is a test that measures how well the baby responds to uterine contractions. Indirectly, it is assessing the baby’s well-being, as well as assessing the health of the placenta. How do is do that? When the muscles of the uterus contract, the blood flow to the placenta is decreased. Usually this does not cause a problem to the baby. However, if something is wrong, the contraction will cause the baby’s heart rate to slow. This may be a sign that something is wrong with the placenta.

This test is performed on Labor & Delivery at Flowers. Monitors are attached to the mother’s abdomen to measure contractions and the baby’s heart rate. There are two different ways of making the uterus contract. You can cause contractions by pinching the nipples. If this doesn’t produce contractions, you may be given pitocin through an IV.

Flowers will typically schedule these appointments in advance through the end of your pregnancy, and these appointments are scheduled based on availability of appointments on labor and delivery.

NST (Non-stress Test)

This is a test that measures the baby’s heart rate without any contractions or other stimulation. The baby’s heart rate should be somewhere between 120 and 160 beats per minute and should fluctuate between this naturally. These changes and fluctuations are very healthy and show responsiveness to movement. It is generally an encouraging sign of fetal well-being.

This test can be performed in our office or at Flowers Hospital. Monitors are attached to the mother’s abdomen to measure contractions and the baby’s heart rate. The time of the test varies, as the baby may have less movement and fewer changes in the heart rate during sleep.

These are typically morning appointments in our office because monitoring may require as much as 45 minutes and abnormalities require further evaluation on labor and delivery.