Understanding Nonstress Test (NST) During Pregnancy

Nonstress Test, also known as cardiotocography test (NST), is a non-invasive prenatal test that evaluates your baby's heart rate in response to their movements. This test is entirely safe and stress-free for both the mother and her baby, as it does not involve any discomfort or stress-inducing procedures. To understand the significance of the non-stress test, you must first understand what it is, how it is done, and what the significance of the results is.

What is a Nonstress Test?

Fetal nonstress test, is a pregnancy screening procedure that assesses the fetal heart rate and its response to movement. This test can now be easily performed at home under the guidance of a maternal healthcare expert to ensure the well-being of the fetus. The Nonstress Test is safe and painless, earning its name because it does not place any stress (nonstress) on either you or the fetus.

During an NST, your doctor observes the fetus's heart rate in relation to its movements. Similar to how a mother’s heart rate increases during physical activity, the fetus's heart rate should rise when it moves or kicks.

If the fetus's heart rate does not respond to movement or remains inactive, it does not necessarily indicate a problem. It could suggest that the fetus is experiencing insufficient oxygen, but this is not always the case. The results of the Nonstress Test guide your pregnancy care provider in determining whether additional testing or labour induction is necessary.

Why do Doctors Recommend Nonstress Test During Pregnancy?

Nonstress Test (NST) is generally recommended by doctors to avoid pregnancy complications and also to assess fetal health. These reasons include:

1. Past due date: If your pregnancy exceeds 40 weeks, it can lead to complications, even in low-risk and healthy pregnancies.

2. High-risk pregnancy: Conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can categorise your pregnancy as high-risk, requiring closer monitoring for both you and the fetus.

3. Decreased fetal movement: If you notice reduced fetal movement, your provider may recommend an NST to ensure the baby's well-being.

4. Fetal growth concerns: If your provider suspects inadequate fetal growth, they may schedule an NST earlier in your pregnancy.

5. Expecting multiples: Pregnancy with twins, triplets, or more carries a higher risk of complications, warranting NSTs as part of the monitoring process.

When is Nonstress Test Done in Pregnancy?

A Nonstress Test (NST) is recommended after 28 weeks of pregnancy, as it relies on monitoring the fetal heart rate's response to movements. It is preferred by your pregnancy care provider when they deem it necessary to assess the fetus's well-being. This gives a proper understanding to a mother as well as the doctor to take necessary steps based on the reports.

How is a Non-Stress Test Different from a Stress Test?

A Nonstress Test (NST) differs from a Stress Test in its methodology and purpose. An NST primarily focuses on monitoring the fetal heart rate to assess its response to fetal movement and uterine contractions, without subjecting either the mother or the fetus to any additional stress. During an NST, the expectant mother wears monitors placed around her belly and reclines comfortably for the duration of the test.

In contrast, a Stress Test concentrates on evaluating the mother's physiological responses to stress. This type of test involves measuring parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels while subjecting the mother to physical stressors, often through activities like walking on a treadmill or pedalling on a stationary bike. By doing so, a Stress Test helps healthcare providers gauge how the maternal heart functions when it is placed under increased demand or stress.

What Happens During a Nonstress Test?

During a Nonstress Test, fetal heart rate is monitored in reaction to movement and contractions. The results of this test are typically categorised as either reactive or nonreactive. It's essential to understand that nonreactive results do not necessarily indicate a problem; instead, they may suggest the need for further tests or monitoring to ensure the well-being of the baby.

Perform NST at home with Keyar DT Lite

What to Expect from NST?

A Nonstress Test (NST) is a prenatal monitoring procedure that assesses your baby's well-being. During a reactive NST, it's expected that your baby's heart rate will increase in response to movement or contractions. This increase is considered normal and indicative of your baby's healthy growth. If, however, your baby's heart rate doesn't accelerate during the NST, there's no need to panic; it may simply indicate that your baby is sleeping.

With Janitri’s advanced fetal doppler now you can easily perform NST at home. 

FAQs on Nonstress Test

a) Will I Need to Do Anything to Prepare for the Test?

No, you don't need any special preparations for a nonstress test. All you have to do is schedule your test as recommended by the doctor.

b) Are There Any Risks Associated With the NST?

No, there is no risk to you or your baby from having a nonstress test.

c) What do NST Results Signify?

NST results are categorised into the following interpretations:

1. Reactive or Reassuring: In this scenario, it indicates that the baby's heart rate increased two or more times throughout the testing duration, which is considered a positive sign.

2. Non-Reactive: Conversely, this outcome implies that the baby's heartbeat did not exhibit the expected increases during movement, or the baby displayed limited movement during the test.

d) What if NST Results are Non-Reactive?

Nonstress Test (NST) results can be non-reactive if your baby doesn't react to the test due to sleeping or lack of movement. In such cases, your doctor may suggest a Contraction Stress Test after 34 weeks of gestational age. This test assesses how your baby's heart responds. A healthy response indicates a healthy labour, while a drop in heart rate during contractions could signify fetal growth issues or oxygen deficiency, potentially leading to further tests or early delivery.

e) How to Prepare for a Nonstress Test at Home?

Performing a nonstress test at home is now easy. There is no special preparation required for performing NST at home. It involves the use of a fetal doppler that works on ultrasound technology to measure fetal heart rate. If a mother has concerns, she can reach out to the clinical expert team of the device provider or consult her doctor, who will schedule and oversee the test in a suitable medical environment.