Pregnancy is a wonderful time, but sometimes it can be a time when you feel scared and anxious about even the smallest things. So when your doctor said, "Let's do a Nonstress Test, or NST, to check on the baby's well-being," did you feel a little scared? "Oh, why is that? Is there something wrong with the baby?" You might be thinking. It's very normal. But it's really nothing to be afraid of. Let's talk about this clearly and simply today.
Simply put, what is this Nonstress Test (NST)?
A nonstress test (NST) is a simple test done during pregnancy to check the health of your baby and whether he or she is getting enough oxygen. It doesn't put any stress on you or your baby. That's why it's called a "nonstress test." It's completely safe and painless.
Think about it, when we run or exercise, our heart rate increases, right? Similarly, when the baby moves around in the womb, his heart rate should also increase. The NST test mainly checks whether the baby's heart rate responds appropriately to movement.
If your baby's heart rate doesn't change with movement, or if your baby doesn't move at all, it doesn't always mean there's a problem. It could be that your baby isn't getting enough oxygen, but that's not always the case. Based on the results of this test, your doctor will decide whether further testing is needed or whether labor needs to be induced.
In what situations should an NST be performed?
This test is not done for every pregnant woman. It is recommended only if your doctor has any concerns about the baby's health. Here are some of the situations in which this may occur.
| Reason | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| If the date given to you has passed, | Pregnancy is said to be overdue after 40 weeks. Sometimes complications can occur. That's why this test is done to see if the baby is doing well. |
| If you have a high-risk pregnancy | If you have chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, it is a high-risk pregnancy. Then you and your baby should be kept under constant medical supervision. |
| If the baby seems to be struggling less | If you feel that your baby is moving less than usual, your doctor may ask you to do this test. |
| If the baby's growth seems slow | If the doctor thinks that the baby is not growing properly in the womb, they will do this to check his health. |
| If there are twins or more | If you are having twins or triplets, the risk of complications is higher. Therefore, you need to check frequently to make sure the babies are doing well. |
| If your blood type is Rh negative | If your baby's blood type is Rh positive, your body may make antibodies against your baby's blood. This can be a serious condition. |
How is this NST test done?
Okay, now let's see how to do this. There's no need to prepare too much for this. You may be asked to go to the bathroom before the test.
1. You will be made to lie down in a chair or on an examination bed.
2. Then, you will wear two elastic bands around your abdomen. These bands have two sensors on them.
- A single sensor measures the contractions in your uterus. Sometimes it can even detect contractions that are so subtle that you may not even notice them.
- The other sensor measures the baby's heartbeat. Just like you normally hear the baby's heartbeat when you go to the clinic, you can hear the sound coming from this one.
3. This way, you record information for about 30 minutes . This information is obtained in the form of a chart.
4. After receiving the necessary information, the two straps will be removed and the test will be completed. The doctor will then explain the results to you.
Sometimes the baby may be sleeping without moving during the test. If this happens, the doctor will try to wake the baby by placing a buzzer on your stomach. Sometimes they will give you a sweet drink or a small snack. The baby may still wake up then.
What do the results mean? Should I be afraid?
The best part is, you don't have to wait long to get your results. You can get your results almost as soon as the test is over . There are two types of results.
| Result | Meaning of this |
|---|---|
| Reactive | This is the good result we are hoping for. It means that when the baby is struggling, his heart rate has increased to the required level. This shows that the baby is healthy and has a good oxygen supply. |
| Nonreactive | Don't be scared when you hear this word. Nonreactive doesn't mean there's something wrong with the baby. It just means that the baby's heart rate didn't increase during the test, or the baby didn't move at all. It just means that there wasn't enough information to make a decision . |
What are the reasons for a nonreactive result?
- The baby may be in a deep sleep at that time.
- The amount of oxygen the baby receives may be slightly reduced .
- This can also happen due to some medications you take.
The most important thing is not to panic if you get a nonreactive result. It just means you need to do more testing.
What happens next if a nonreactive result is obtained?
Your doctor may decide to do some more tests.
- Biophysical Profile: This involves performing an ultrasound scan along with the NST. This allows the doctor to closely monitor the baby's movement, breathing, and growth before making a decision.
- Contraction Stress Test: In this test, you are given a medicine to make your uterus contract slightly, and the doctor checks to see if the baby's heartbeat changes during this time. Don't worry, this won't start labor.
If the results of these tests indicate that your baby is at risk, you may be monitored more closely or you may be given an early delivery. This is all determined by your stage of pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fail the NST?
There is no "pass" or "fail" for this test. There are only two results: Reactive (good) and Nonreactive (more information needed). Nonreactive does not mean failed.
Can this test determine the baby's gender?
No. The NST test cannot determine the baby's gender.
Take-Home Message
- A nonstress test (NST) is a safe test that is not harmful or painful to you or your baby.
- This checks to see if the baby's heartbeat responds appropriately when he or she moves.
- A Reactive result is the best result. It means the baby is healthy.
- Don't be alarmed if you get a nonreactive result. It doesn't always mean there's a problem with your baby. It just means that further testing is needed.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or fears you have. He or she will explain everything to you.
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