Screens for: Fetal activity and well-being late in pregnancy.
Who does it: Nurse, doctor or midwife.
How it is done: A non-stress test is done by electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), while the mother records when the baby moves. The doctor or midwife measures the response of the fetal heart rate to contractions and movements.
The difference in stress testing is that while you are being monitored, you will be given some form of oxytocin. Sometimes this is done by nipple stimulation or an injecction of Pitocin to induce contractions to see how well your baby responds.
When is it done: Usually done late in pregnancy.
Accuracy: Varies.
Risk to mom: Anxiety is most common over results.
Risk to pregnancy/baby: None known.
07/27/07
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