In the third trimester of pregnancy, knowing your baby's well-being is crucial. It can be stressful for the mother when she can't feel or see the baby. But do not worry. You have non-stress tests or NSTs to help you. When are NSTs performed? And how should you prepare for them? Read on to learn more about this crucial prenatal test.
What Is a Non-Stress Test (NST)?
The Non-Stress Test or NST ultrasound uses sound waves to check your baby's heart rate and movement. A machine sends out a pulse of sound waves that bounce back off your baby's skin—and then they're recorded as they return. By looking at these recordings, doctors can see how fast your baby's heart is beating and how active she is (or not).
The goal of the NST is to ensure that everything is going smoothly with your pregnancy. The test gives doctors a reference point if something goes wrong later in the pregnancy; it allows them to compare current readings against previous ones so they can tell if things are getting worse or better.
When Is a Non-Stress Test Done During Pregnancy?
The test is usually done after the 26th week of pregnancy but may be done earlier if there are concerns about the baby's health.
A non-stress test is often done during the last three months of pregnancy. This test assesses the baby's heart rate in response to the baby's movement. The test can help evaluate how well the baby is doing and whether there are any problems with the placenta or umbilical cord.
You may have a non-stress test if you're over 35 and pregnant or have an underlying condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. The NST allows doctors to monitor your baby's heart rate, which can indicate if there are any issues with fetal growth or development.
The test is usually done once a week for high-risk pregnancies and once every two weeks for low-risk pregnancies. Further testing may be needed to determine if the test results cause is abnormal. In most cases, however, the reason for an abnormal result is benign and does not require treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Having an NST During Pregnancy?
There are several benefits of having an NST during pregnancy.
Peace of Mind
An NST can help give you peace of mind by showing that both mum and baby are healthy and progressing normally. If there are any concerns, the doctor will discuss them with you at your next appointment.
Reference Point
It can help mothers monitor the baby's heart rate, breathing, and movements. You can use this information to ensure that the baby is healthy and developing normally.
Fetal Age Assessment
A nonstress test measures the fetal heart rate in response to the baby's movements. The test is usually done during the last few weeks of pregnancy when the baby is full-term. Having an NST can help your healthcare provider determine if your baby is getting enough oxygen and nutrients and if the placenta is working correctly.
Monitoring Your Baby's Health During Delivery
Nurses or midwives perform NSTs at regular intervals throughout your pregnancy. The test measures how well your baby responds to contractions and other stresses, like moving from one position to another.
Your doctor may recommend an NST if there are any signs that something might be wrong with your baby's health. These include very high blood pressure or an elevated heart rate.
These symptoms present during labour could indicate that your child has been born prematurely or may have trouble breathing after delivery due to complications such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Monitor Your Baby's Activity
One of the benefits of having a non-stress test during pregnancy is that it can help to monitor your baby's activity. The test measures your baby's heart rate in response to their movements. This information can ensure that your baby is getting enough oxygen and is developing normally.
Predict Fetal Distress
One of the essential benefits of having an NST during pregnancy is that it can help to predict fetal distress. In particular, the NST can help to monitor the baby's heart rate and breathing patterns. Any changes in these vital signs can indicate that the baby is in distress and may need medical intervention.
Reduce the Risk of Stillbirth
Stillbirth is one of the most devastating things that can happen to a parent. It's not just a pregnancy loss; it's the loss of your child. But stillbirths are not inevitable, and there are things you can do to reduce the risk.
One of them is having an NST (non-stress test) during pregnancy. An NST test measures your baby's heart rate and activity and how much amniotic fluid you have. If your baby is stillborn, there was likely a problem with either or both of these things. An NST can help identify those problems before they become dangerous for your baby.
ALSO READ:
Understanding Prenatal Testing: The Tests You Need to Have Per Trimester
Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening In Infants, Why This Matters
Baby’s Movements Through Pregnancy: What’s Normal & What’s Not?
How Can You Prepare for an NST?
What Happens During the Test Itself?
Are There Any Risks Associated With Having an NST During Pregnancy?
What Are the Results of a Non-Stress Test?
- Your baby's heart rate drops below 100 beats per minute (bpm). It could mean something is wrong with your baby's heart or lungs.
- Your baby doesn't move much or at all during the test—this means there may not be enough oxygen getting into her body because she isn't growing as fast as she should be.
- No sounds are coming from your baby's heart—this could indicate problems with blood flow through her umbilical cord or in her lungs.
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