Non-Stress Test / Biophysical Profile / Contraction Stress Test
Optional Testing During Pregnancy
By Valerie Jacques, RN, CPM, NHCM
This is the sixth in a series of articles exploring testing procedures available for you and your baby during pregnancy.
These three tests, the Non-Stress Test (NST), Biophysical Profile (BPP), and the Contraction Stress Test (CST) are designed to monitor your baby’s well being. They are usually run when there is a question concerning abnormal heart tones, maternal disease, post-maturity, lack of baby movement, or other questions concerning the health of your child.
The NST is usually performed in your health professional’s office or in a hospital. The test requires Mom to wear an external electronic fetal monitor (EFM) for a period of time, The EFM records the baby’s heart rate, displaying variability, movement, and reactivity.
The BPP offers an overall well-rounded assessment of placental, cord, and baby well- being. The test requires Mom to wear an external electronic fetal monitor and also requires a sonogram (Ultrasound). Information obtained from the BPP allows your health professional to determine important information about your baby’s health, including: muscle tone, reactivity, gross body movements, volume of amniotic fluid in the uterus, the condition or grade of the placenta, and baby’s breathing movements.
The CST is similar to the NST, except the test is conducted with the uterus contracting. Contractions are stimulated by using a low dose of oxytocin (in an IV drip), or by nipple stimulation. This test assesses the well being of your baby, but beyond that, it is a predictor of how well your baby will stand up to the stress of labor. This test runs the risk of placing Mom in premature labor, and therefore should not be conducted unless your health professional indicates (after discussion with you) that it is necessary for the continued health of you and your child.
Since the risks, accuracy, and interpretation of these tests include many variables, they should not be performed unless there is a specific need as explained to you by your health professional.
Knowledge is power. The more informed you are, the better prepared you will be to make decisions regarding your health and the health of your baby. For more information on these and other tests during pregnancy, speak with your health provider. Also, look for more information contained in the Informed Consent Agreement provided by your health professional.
Valerie Jacques is a NH Certified Midwife, a Certified Professional Midwife, an RN, and the owner/operator of Coastal Family Birth Retreat in Stratham, NH. She can be reached at 603-502-9452, or at www.coastalfamilybirthretreat.com.
Optional Testing During Pregnancy
By Valerie Jacques, RN, CPM, NHCM
This is the sixth in a series of articles exploring testing procedures available for you and your baby during pregnancy.
These three tests, the Non-Stress Test (NST), Biophysical Profile (BPP), and the Contraction Stress Test (CST) are designed to monitor your baby’s well being. They are usually run when there is a question concerning abnormal heart tones, maternal disease, post-maturity, lack of baby movement, or other questions concerning the health of your child.
The NST is usually performed in your health professional’s office or in a hospital. The test requires Mom to wear an external electronic fetal monitor (EFM) for a period of time, The EFM records the baby’s heart rate, displaying variability, movement, and reactivity.
The BPP offers an overall well-rounded assessment of placental, cord, and baby well- being. The test requires Mom to wear an external electronic fetal monitor and also requires a sonogram (Ultrasound). Information obtained from the BPP allows your health professional to determine important information about your baby’s health, including: muscle tone, reactivity, gross body movements, volume of amniotic fluid in the uterus, the condition or grade of the placenta, and baby’s breathing movements.
The CST is similar to the NST, except the test is conducted with the uterus contracting. Contractions are stimulated by using a low dose of oxytocin (in an IV drip), or by nipple stimulation. This test assesses the well being of your baby, but beyond that, it is a predictor of how well your baby will stand up to the stress of labor. This test runs the risk of placing Mom in premature labor, and therefore should not be conducted unless your health professional indicates (after discussion with you) that it is necessary for the continued health of you and your child.
Since the risks, accuracy, and interpretation of these tests include many variables, they should not be performed unless there is a specific need as explained to you by your health professional.
Knowledge is power. The more informed you are, the better prepared you will be to make decisions regarding your health and the health of your baby. For more information on these and other tests during pregnancy, speak with your health provider. Also, look for more information contained in the Informed Consent Agreement provided by your health professional.
Valerie Jacques is a NH Certified Midwife, a Certified Professional Midwife, an RN, and the owner/operator of Coastal Family Birth Retreat in Stratham, NH. She can be reached at 603-502-9452, or at www.coastalfamilybirthretreat.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment