Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

What Happens During Fetal Nonstress Testing?

 What Happens During Fetal Nonstress Testing?

Fetal nonstress testing is a diagnostic tool you might need during your pregnancy. This noninvasive test doesn’t put any stress on your developing baby but can give you answers about their health.

At Raveco Medical, we offer a range of prenatal care services for pregnant women. Our board-certified obstetricians may recommend fetal nonstress testing if you have symptoms that may indicate your baby is in distress.

What to know about fetal non-stress testing

A fetal nonstress test is a simple, noninvasive test for women who have been pregnant for over 28 weeks.

The test monitors your baby’s heart rate and movements to ensure they are getting enough oxygen. Oxygen loss can result if the placenta or umbilical cord isn’t functioning properly.

Our providers may recommend fetal nonstress testing if you notice reduced movement from your baby. You may also be a candidate for fetal nonstress testing if:

If you have other signs or symptoms of fetal distress, our providers can discuss your options for fetal nonstress tests and other diagnostic procedures.

What to expect during fetal nonstress testing

At your first fetal nonstress test, our team measures your blood pressure and helps you get comfortable in a chair.

They place a sensor belt over your abdomen to measure your baby’s heart rate. Another belt goes over your belly to measure any contractions you have.

Our team measures your baby’s movement and heart activity for 20-30 minutes. If your baby is sleeping at the time of your test, we can use a small buzzer device to gently wake them for more accurate testing.

Depending on your circumstances, we might recommend fetal nonstress tests once or twice a week. Some women may need them daily to stay on top of their baby’s growth and development.

Interpreting your testing results

While your Raveco Medical doctor will review your results with you directly, it’s helpful to understand the type of results a fetal nonstress test provides. These results include:

Reactive

Reactive test results indicate that your baby’s heartbeat rises at least twice for 10 seconds or longer in women earlier than 32 weeks gestation or for at least 15 seconds in women at 32 weeks gestation or later. 

Reactive results are typically considered reassuring, but your doctor discusses exactly what they mean for you during your appointment.

Nonreactive

Nonreactive test results can mean that your baby’s heart rate isn’t rising as it should. This can indicate your baby wasn’t moving during the test because they were asleep or due to potential health issues.

Following nonreactive test results, you might need additional fetal tests like an ultrasound to evaluate your baby more closely.

Regardless of the results, our providers continue to provide high-quality prenatal care to support your health and your baby’s development. If you develop issues that make your pregnancy high risk, we customize a care plan to your needs to ensure a safe, healthy delivery.

Call the Raveco Medical office near you to learn more about the benefits of fetal nonstress testing, or book an appointment online today. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

What Is a Keloid Scar?

What Is a Keloid Scar?

Keloid scars that develop after a Cesarean section (C-section) can grow larger than your original incisions and even become itchy or painful. Learn more about your early treatment options for keloid scars to keep your skin looking great after childbirth.

Can I Get Pregnant If I Have PCOS?

The imbalanced hormones that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes can influence your chances of a successful pregnancy. Learn how PCOS increases your risk of infertility and what treatments are available to help.
 What Is Cervical Mucus Monitoring?

What Is Cervical Mucus Monitoring?

When you’re planning a pregnancy, you can better predict your fertile times by monitoring changes in your cervical mucus. Learn how cervical mucus monitoring helps increase your chances for successful fertilization.
The Pros and Cons of Different Birth Control Types

The Pros and Cons of Different Birth Control Types

If you’re exploring your birth control options for the first time or are ready to try a new method, it’s helpful to know more about the choices you have. Learn more about the pros and cons of pills, patches, and other popular contraceptives. 
5 Benefits of Partnering with a Midwife

5 Benefits of Partnering with a Midwife

A midwife provides the supportive resources women need to navigate everything from pregnancy to menopause. If you haven’t thought about working with one before, consider these five benefits a midwife can bring to your life.