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A fetal stress test measures a baby’s heart rate and movement using two belts on the mother’s belly. It is given to women at least 28 weeks pregnant and can detect problems with the placenta or umbilical cord. The test is non-invasive and has no risks or side effects. Results are classified as reactive or non-reactive, with non-responsive results requiring further testing.
A fetal stress test is performed on pregnant women to measure the baby’s heart rate and movement. The test involves placing two belts on the woman’s belly. One measures fetal heart rate and the other measures contractions. Usually, this type of test takes 20 to 30 minutes to perform and is given to women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant.
Doctors may administer a fetal stress test if the mother is concerned that the baby is not moving as frequently as usual or not moving at all. A fetal stress test may also be performed if a pregnant woman is past her due date or if there is a problem with the placenta. If the expectant mother is having a high-risk pregnancy, complications of any kind may require this examination.
Problems with the placenta or umbilical cord can often cause less oxygen to reach the baby. A fetal stress test can detect these problems. Problems with the placenta and umbilical cord found in a fetal stress test can also be indicators of more serious fetal distress.
The doctors performing the test are looking for the baby’s heart rate to respond to movement. A healthy child’s heart rate will increase during movement and decrease at rest. If this is the case, your baby is getting the right amount of oxygen. When oxygen levels are low, however, the baby won’t respond adequately to movement.
Women who are 28 weeks or more pregnant are candidates for fetal stress testing. Doctors usually don’t test before then because the fetus isn’t developed enough to respond to the test. Fetal stress testing is a non-invasive procedure with no risks or side effects for both the woman and the baby.
Most tests are done in the doctor’s office. The nurse or doctor will attach the fetal monitoring equipment to the woman’s belly and record the baby’s heart rate and movement. Some equipment may allow the pregnant woman to press a button when she feels the baby move. This helps doctors see the relationship between movement and heart rate.
Sometimes, children don’t cooperate with the test. If the baby doesn’t move, the woman may be offered a drink with sugar or carbon dioxide to wake the baby up. Creating a loud sound is another option used to perk up the child.
The results of a fetal stress test are classified as reactive or non-reactive. Reactive means that the blood flow and oxygen levels reaching the baby are in the correct range. A non-responsive result will usually result in further testing to determine the reason for the lack of fetal movement. Possible reasons for a nonresponsive result include poor oxygenation, sleep patterns, prescriptions taken by the pregnant woman, or nonprescription medications.
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