Fetal Non-Stress Test in Birmingham, AL

What is a Fetal Non-Stress Test?

A fetal non-stress test (NST)  is a type of examination used to measure the activity of a fetus. The primary purpose of a fetal non-stress test is to gain insight into the fetus’ regular movements and heart rate to determine whether these are developing normally.

This test is non-invasive, only requires 20-30 minutes to complete, and is entirely safe for both mother and baby. No known side effects currently exist for a fetal NST.

The board-certified obstetricians at Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology are delighted to be a part of this very special time in your life. The highest level of prenatal care will be provided at all stages of pregnancy including before and during pregnancy, at childbirth and postpartum. Learn more about the obstetrics and prenatal care services we provide at our office in Birmingham, AL.

Reasons for a Fetal Non-Stress Test

There are several situations in which a fetal non-stress test would be advised, including instances when:

• The mother is overdue
• The pregnancy is already high risk
• There is reason to suspect that the placenta is not functioning appropriately
• The fetus does not appear to be as active as they should be

What to Expect During a Fetal NST

The expectant mother must be over 28 weeks pregnant in order to perform a fetal non-stress test since the fetus must develop significantly before conclusive results can be drawn.

Two types of belts are placed around the mother’s abdomen during the exam. One belt measures the fetal heart rate while the other measures contractions.

By assessing these metrics, the doctor can determine whether or not the baby’s heart rate corresponds appropriately to their movements. Normally, the fetus’ heart rate will increase while they are active, and will decrease during periods of rest.

Low heart rate and immobility can be a sign that the fetus is not getting enough oxygen. These low oxygen levels are often caused by some sort of damage to the placenta or umbilical cord.

Further Testing

If abnormal activity rates are found during the fetal non-stress test, your OBGYN is likely to order additional tests to determine the exact cause of these conditions. On occasion, low heart rate reactivity during a non-stress test can merely be a result of the baby’s sleeping habits or maternal medicines within the mother’s system.