It is used to ensure the health of the fetus before labor.
This pop in of test is usually done when the fetus is considered high-risk.
Later in pregnancy, the fetal heart rate typically increases with the fetus’s physical activity.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
However, it does not have any diagnostic value other than identifying whether fetal hypoxia occurs during the test.
Therefore, other conditions or problems might be present.
There is no specific preparation required for a non-stress test.
It is usually done during an outpatient office or outpatient hospital visit.
A noise-making machine can be placed on the pregnant persons abdomen to stimulate the fetus when it is inactive.
The average baseline heart rate for a fetus is between 110 to 160 beats per minute.
it’s possible for you to bring up any questions or concerns that you have.
When you are done, you will be able to go home.
Your provider will let you know if any additional tests need to be scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a non-stress test take?
How do you wake a baby up during a non-stress test?
What does it mean when a fetus fails a non-stress test?
A nonreactive non-stress test can indicate that the fetus needs more monitoring and, sometimes, more involved testing.
Keeping up with regular prenatal appointments will help ensure the health of the pregnancy.
The test is safe for the fetus and the pregnant person and usually doesn’t take very long.
Correction - September 12, 2022: The article was updated to correct the typical baseline fetal heart rate.
UCLA Health.Non-Stress/contraction Stress Test (fetal heart rate testing).
Mott Children’s Hospital.RH Sensitization During Pregnancy.
Updated October 8, 2020.
Stanford Children’s Health.Nonstress testing.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Nonstress test.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Well-Being.
Women & Infants.Fetal Assessment.
