The NST (nonstress test) is a simple method to check the baby’s health status. NST, which monitors the baby’s movements in the womb and the heart rate and variability of the heart rate in relation to these movements, is usually performed in the 26th week of pregnancy. – 28. is administered after the week. It is called a nonstress test because the baby is not stressed in any way at the time of the test and there are no uterine contractions.
How is NST performed?
NST is performed while the mother is lying down. During the procedure, two different probes are inserted into the mother’s abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and contractions. The test lasts 20 to 30 minutes on average and measures the baby’s movement, heart rate and heart rate reactivity. Sometimes the baby may not move during the procedure. This condition, which should not be immediately feared, may be caused by the baby being asleep. If the baby is asleep, a nurse will use a small bell to wake the baby and continue the test.
Why is NST performed?
- If the expectant mother feels that the baby is not moving as often as usual,
- If there are suspicions that the placenta is dysfunctional,
- If there is a high probability of fetal distress,
- If the pregnancy is at risk for a different reason, an NST test can be performed.
The NST test is not only used in high-risk pregnancies. Usually 36. After the first week of pregnancy, the NST test is performed in addition to ultrasound. Apart from all these, NST is required if the expectant mother has diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, twin or more pregnancies, previous stillbirth, anemia, low amniotic fluid level.
From what week is NST performed?
The NST examination is most reliable at 34 weeks of gestation. week and beyond. However, the test is usually performed at 28 days of gestation. week of the week of the week. NST is performed at 34 and 35 weeks, when uterine contractions are most intense. It should be repeated at regular intervals starting from weeks and the baby’s heart rate and its variability should be monitored. Because if there is a significant increase in contractions, this may indicate preterm labor. The NST is usually not accurate, so it is not recommended for 28 days of gestation. is not applied before the week.
