The Non-Stress Test
A non-stress test is performed to help your doctor determine how your baby is doing before it is born.
The test is done for several reasons including decreased fetal movement (baby movement), poor fetal growth,
gestational diabetes, hypertension, and for other reasons the doctor might decide.
The test is done for several reasons including decreased fetal movement (baby movement), gestational
diabetes, for mom's over 35 years of age, etc. An electronic fetal monitor is used to obtain a tracing
of the baby's heart rate for 20-40 minutes while mom relaxes in a recliner. The baby's heart rate increases
when he/she moves and shows the doctor the baby is doing well before birth. The non-stress test does not
detect all problems and is just one of several tests your doctor may order.
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