Non-Stress Test is a simple and painless test, which is carried out to assess the condition of the baby during pregnancy. The health care practitioner during the test evaluates the heartbeat of your baby. The technician monitors the heartbeat of the baby twice. For the first time, the heartbeat is checked when the baby is resting and it is tested for the the second time when the baby is moving. It has been detected that the heartbeat of the baby also grows faster, like an adult, when he or she is moving or kicking.
Reasons for undergoing non stress test:
A nonreactive non-stress test is generally carried out to detect if the baby is growing properly or not. It is also performed to ascertain whether the baby is less active than other normal babies. The test also helps to estimate if the expectant mother have excessive or too little amniotic fluid. If you have gestational hypertension, then you need to carry out this medical test. The non stress test may also start as early as the 28th week of pregnancy if you have a miscarriage before.
When is non stress test performed?
The non stress test normally carried out when you are only one month away from your delivery date and if you are having a high risk pregnancy. This test is also performed when you have crossed your delivery date.
Procedure of non stress test:
Before carrying out a non stress test, you are advised to have a meal. You are recommended to do so because the food will help to stimulate the baby and he or she will be able to move around actively. Even though there is no such evidence that taking a meal helps in performing the test, yet there is no harm in it. Use the bathroom before carrying out the test because you will be required to lie down before a monitor for almost an hour.
You are required to lie on your left side when the test is going on. Use a wedge an put it under your back.
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It will allow you to lean back. The technician attaches two devices to your abdomen and watches and listens to the heartbeat of the child. If the baby does not show any movement then you are advised to drink water or soda so that he or she wakes up if the baby was sleeping. Normally, the test takes something between 20 minutes to 1 hour.
After carrying out the fetus non-stress test, if the results are not satisfactory then it may indicate that your baby is not getting enough oxygen or have problem with placenta.
For further information about Pregnancy and Tests refer to our website Pregnancyxl.com
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