NST in Pregnancy: What to Expect When Taking the Non-Stress Test

An expectant mother is required to undergo several tests during pregnancy. The main aim of these tests is to ensure the health and well-being of the mother and her developing baby. Doctors often recommend specific tests for certain situations. For example, the ICT test in pregnancy is done to assess the risk of Rh incompatibility between the growing baby and the mother. Similarly, the VDRL test in pregnancy is conducted to screen for syphilis.

Another important test a doctor may recommend is a Non-Stress Test (NST). NST in pregnancy is a test used for antepartum screening or screening before childbirth. In this write-up, we will be covering the details of non-stress test in pregnancy so you can understand what it is all about.

A non-stress test or NST is a simple test performed to check the well-being of an unborn baby. It is a non-invasive test, which means the doctor does not insert any tool into the mother’s body during the test.

The test monitors the baby’s heart rate and its movements. Ideally, an unborn baby’s heart rate must increase when the baby is moving. Similar changes in heart rate are expected when the mother is in labour and experiencing contractions. An increase in the baby’s heart rate while moving indicates the baby is doing well and there is no immediate concern.

NST during pregnancy is performed in the last or third trimester of pregnancy, typically after 28 weeks of pregnancy have passed. Around this time, the baby’s heart rate reflects changes due to movements. So, one can get a clear idea of the things going on in this sphere.

NST is usually not required if everything is normal. However, the test is ordered in cases of:

• High-risk pregnancies, when the mother has diabetes, hypertension, clotting disorder, etc.
• Multiple pregnancies
• The mother’s blood is Rh-negative
• Decreased foetal movements
• Mother has a history of stillbirth
• The baby is small for its gestational age
• The level of amniotic fluid is either high or low
• The baby is overdue

Your doctor will determine how many times you will need this test. In case you have a high-risk pregnancy, you might need to take weekly or twice-a-week tests to check your baby’s activity. In other cases, you might just need one test if your doctor thinks that’s all you need.

NST is performed on an outpatient basis as it does not require hospitalisation. You will be asked to use the washroom to empty your bladder before the test. Once you’re ready, you will be asked to lie down on the examination table.

Your doctor will apply a gel on your belly and then place two belts around it. These belts have sensors that record contractions and foetal heart rate. You will also be asked to record your baby’s movements by pushing a button on the monitor.

The baby’s heart rate is then monitored for about 20-30 minutes. If your baby is asleep and is not moving, your doctor may use a device to wake your baby up.

The test results of NST can be:

Reactive: Reactive suggests normal results. It means the baby’s heart rate went up to the desired level at least twice during the test.

Non-Reactive: This means the foetal heart rate did not show any significant change during the test.

Getting a non-reactive test result doesn’t have to be alarming. It could mean that the baby remained asleep during the test or did not move as required. Other times it could indicate the need for further testing. Your doctor will guide you on the next steps following the test.

A non-stress test is a safe procedure that does not cause any discomfort or stress to the foetus. The baby remains perfectly fine inside the womb and does not go through any distress. No complications are also observed after the test for both the mother and her baby.

No special preparation is required for the non-stress test. Just make sure to arrive on time and carry your prescriptions and other reports, just in case you need them. Your doctor will ask you to empty your bladder before the test. That’s all that is required to begin the testing process.

The results of the test are available soon after the testing is complete. You won't have to wait for a day or two to get the test results. This is particularly helpful in easing the minds of expecting parents, knowing their little one is doing well. And if not, what necessary actions do they need to take for the well-being of their baby.

Additional tests are sometimes required to confirm the health and well-being of the developing baby. These tests include:

Contraction Stress Test

This test is done to check the baby’s response to uterine contractions. You will be given medication to induce contractions so your baby’s response can be examined. Don’t worry! These contractions don’t induce labour and are simply triggered for testing purposes.

Biophysical Profile

For this test, an ultrasound is combined with the non-stress test. It checks other aspects like amniotic fluid level in the womb, baby’s breathing, and more, along with foetal heart rate.

NST in pregnancy is a valuable, non-invasive procedure that helps monitor your baby’s health and well-being during pregnancy. It provides reassurance by evaluating the baby’s heart rate in response to movements, ensuring they are receiving adequate oxygen and thriving in the womb.

While the non stress test for pregnant women is typically recommended for high-risk pregnancies or if concerns arise, the test is safe and painless. For questions about the necessity or results of an NST, speak to your doctor.

What is a normal NST in pregnancy?

When the test result of NST suggests “Reactive,” it means the result is normal.

Why is NST done before delivery?

A foetal nonstress test is done in the last trimester before delivery to check the well-being of the baby.

Is an NST test painful?

No, NST is a painless and comfortable test for both the mother and her baby.

How to know if the baby is stressed in the womb?

Signs of foetal distress can include less movement, changes in heart rate, and low amniotic fluid.

How to wake up a baby during NST?

Doctors may use a buzzer to wake up the baby during a non-stress test.

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