A reactive and non reactive non stress test (NST) is done during pregnancy to check the baby’s health and growth. This non stress test during pregnancy is done when the doctor needs to evaluate the baby’s and the mother’s condition before suggesting the next steps. It is usually undertaken when the baby has passed its due date and /or the mother is in a high risk category. This test is labeled as non stress test as no stress is placed on the baby. Different factors contribute to a mother’s high risk susceptibility. If you have diabetes and are being given insulin, or being given high blood pressure...
...medication or any other medical condition that could affect the baby; if you have gestational hypertension; if your baby is less active than other babies; if the baby appears smaller than normal babies at this time; if you have too much or too little amniotic fluid; if you have lost a baby in an advanced stage of the pregnancy for no apparent reason or if you have any other procedure in the third trimester like an external cephalic version (to turn a breech baby into normal position) or amniocentesis (to determine the maturity of your baby’s lungs). In such instances the doctor could order an NST to determine if the baby is doing well. Sometimes a doctor could ask you to do a non stress test as early as 28 weeks.
Before the test the mother is asked to eat some food as food could make the baby active. During the test, the baby’s heartbeat is monitored. It is monitored at a rest state and in an active state. When the baby’s heartbeat increases, its movement also increases. You, the mother to be, are made to lie on your left side, with back support. You are hooked up to monitor the baby’s heartbeat, the baby’s movements and your contractions. If your baby is not responding, you may be asked to drink some water, juice or soda wake up the baby if it is asleep. Sometimes the technician might use a buzzer or even a loud clap to ensure that the baby is awake. The test is classified as a reactive and non reactive one depending on whether the baby responds adequately. A reactive test indicates the baby is getting proper blood flow and oxygen. A non reactive test indicates the need to test further for other possibilities. This test also tells us whether the baby is receiving proper oxygen and nutrition through the umbilical cord or placenta.
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