What is a Non-stress test?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ly Thi Thanh Nha - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International General Hospital Da Nang.

Non-stress test is one of the tests that pregnant mothers need to perform during pregnancy, especially in 1-2 months before the due date. This is a prenatal test that helps the doctor monitor the fetal heart rate when the baby is resting as well as when the baby is active.

Non-stress test (NST) is a test that measures the fetal heart rate and compares the fetal heart rate response to fetal movements during the last 3 months of pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to make sure the baby is active. well and get enough oxygen.
Women should have a Non-stress test when they have the following risks :
Gestational diabetes Preeclampsia After a procedure such as amniocentesis The baby is low in pregnancy The woman is past her due date but has not yet gone into labor. diagnosed with abnormalities or birth defects and should be monitored The mother has polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios .

The mother is attached a fetal heart rate probe and uterine contraction probe on the abdomen by two elastic straps, connected to a fetal heart monitor, displaying a monitoring chart. During the Non-stress test, the mother needs to monitor and feel the movements of the fetus.
The mother holds a tool to press every time she feels the fetus move, and it will appear on the result. If the fetus is not moving, it is very likely that the baby is sleeping. In this case, the doctor will suggest drinking some water to get the fetus moving or waking the fetus by gently rubbing it on the mother's abdomen.
Non-stress test usually lasts from 20 to 40 minutes. The results on the results chart will show fetal heart rate, fetal movement and uterine muscle tone as well as uterine contractions if any.
Non-stress test does not require fasting or any preparation, however, the mother can go to the toilet and eat before that because the time of the test sometimes takes a long time. In addition, your doctor will help check your blood pressure to make sure it's okay.

Non-stress testing is a non-invasive form of testing that poses no physical risk to the mother and baby. Non-stress test clearly determines the level of harm to the fetus. However, some test results can make pregnant women worry because of some health problems in the baby.
Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal care visits, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively.
Pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health under the close supervision of experienced and specialized Obstetricians, helping mothers have more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as reduce reduce complications for mother and child.
Master. Doctor. Ly Thi Thanh Nha has worked at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Quang Tri Provincial General Hospital before working at Vinmec Danang International General Hospital as it is today. Dr. Nha has strengths and experience in diagnosing, monitoring and treating pregnancy, pregnancy pathology. Pregnancy screening. Perform caesarean section techniques. Laparoscopic surgery to treat ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy.