A nonstress test is used in pregnant women who have
gestational diabetes to evaluate the heart rate of an
unborn baby. Normally, a baby's heart rate ranges from 100 to 160 beats per
minute and it usually speeds up after the fetus moves. If the heart rate is
faster or slower than this range or does not speed up after the baby moves, it
may mean that the baby is not doing well.
During the test:
- Elastic belts with two sensors are placed on the
woman's belly. The sensors are connected to an electronic monitoring machine.
- One sensor monitors the baby's heart
rate.
- The other sensor is a pressure gauge, which measures the
strength and length of tightening (contractions) of the woman's uterus if they
occur.
- The woman pushes a button on the machine every time
she feels the baby move.
- The baby's heart rate is compared during
movement and during contractions. Normally, the baby's heart rate increases
when the baby moves. However, the heart rate may not increase during the
testing period.
A nonstress test usually takes about 30 minutes. It can be done in a
hospital or doctor's office.
