Fetal Non-Stress Testing

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The Fetal Non-Stress Test (NST) is a simple, non-invasive test performed in pregnancies over 28 weeks gestation, which poses no risks or side effects for the mother or baby. The test is named “non-stress” because no stress is placed on the fetus during the test.  

The test involves attaching one belt to the mother’s abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and another belt to measure contractions. Movement, heart rate, and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement are measured for 20-30 minutes. If the baby does not move, it does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem; the baby could just be asleep. A nurse may use a small “buzzer” to wake the baby for the remainder of the test.  Your doctor may recommend the test if you are diabetic, have high blood pressure, are beyond your due date, some changes in fetal movement or growth are noted, or are considered high risk for any reason.