NST Test Procedure: What to Expect?
Aug 16 • 7 min read
Table of Content
Hello mom-to-be! As you navigate your pregnancy journey, you may encounter various tests and procedures.
One important assessment you might experience is the NST or Non-Stress Test. If you have reached 28th week or more in your pregnancy or it’s a high-risk pregnancy, doctors will suggest an NST test to monitor fetal well-being. The frequency of the test will depend on your pregnancy condition.
Let's explore what this crucial test entails and how it ensures your baby's well-being.
Understanding the NST (Non-Stress Test)
The Non-Stress Test, commonly known as NST, is a routine prenatal test that monitors your baby's heart rate and movements. It is usually done after the 26th - 28th week of pregnancy. This painless procedure is typically performed in the third trimester of pregnancy to assess fetal well-being and detect any potential issues.
Why is an NST Important?
During pregnancy, your healthcare provider closely monitors both you and your baby's health. The NST plays a vital role in this process by:
Evaluating fetal heart rate patterns
Assessing fetal movement and activity
Detecting potential fetal distress
Providing insights into placental function
What to Expect During the NST Procedure
When is an NST Recommended?
Your doctor may recommend an NST in various situations, including:
High-risk pregnancies
Pregnancies past the due date
Decreased fetal movement
Gestational diabetes
Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
History of pregnancy complications
What to Expect During the NST Procedure
Now that you understand the importance of the NST, let's walk through what you can expect during the test:
Preparation
There's minimal preparation required for an NST. You may be advised to eat a meal or snack about an hour before the test, which can stimulate fetal movement. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen.
Getting Comfortable
Upon arrival, you'll be asked to lie down or recline in a comfortable position. The test is usually performed while you're semi-reclined or lying on your left side to ensure optimal blood flow to your baby.
Monitoring Equipment Setup
Two belts will be placed around your abdomen:
- One belt contains an ultrasound transducer to monitor your baby's heart rate
- The other belt measures uterine contractions
Duration of the Test
The NST typically lasts about 20-30 minutes but may extend up to an hour if your baby is sleeping or not very active. Don't worry if it takes longer; it's essential to get a clear picture of your baby's well-being.
Recording Fetal Movements
You'll be given a button to press each time you feel your baby move. This helps correlate fetal movement with changes in heart rate.
Stimulating Your Baby
If your baby is inactive, the healthcare provider might try to stimulate movement by:
Gently shaking your abdomen
Using a small buzzer device on your belly
Asking you to drink cold water or eat a snack
Monitoring and Interpretation
Throughout the test, your healthcare provider will monitor:
Baseline fetal heart rate
Heart rate accelerations in response to movement
Variability in heart rate
Any signs of distress or irregularities
Understanding NST Results
After the test, your healthcare provider will interpret the results:
- Reactive (Normal) Result: The baby's heart rate increases appropriately with movement, indicating good oxygenation and a healthy nervous system.
- Non-reactive Result: This doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem. It could be due to the baby sleeping or other factors. Your provider may recommend additional testing or monitoring.
Let’s dive into successful NST tips to understand more closely!
Tips for a Successful NST
To ensure the best possible NST experience:
Hope you got informative tips, but are you also curious about the post-NST follow-ups? Worry not; we are here to help you! Let’s discuss this:
Post-NST Follow-up
Based on the NST results, your healthcare provider may:
Schedule regular NSTs if you're in a high-risk category
Recommend additional tests like a biophysical profile or contraction stress test
Adjust your prenatal care plan
Discuss delivery options if you're near your due date
Embracing the NST Experience
Remember, the NST is a valuable tool in ensuring your baby's health. While it might seem daunting at first, many moms-to-be find it reassuring to hear their baby's heartbeat and observe their little one's activity. Consider it a special bonding time with your baby!
Perform NST at home with Janitri Keyar DT Lite
Imagine this: It's a cozy Sunday afternoon, and instead of braving traffic and waiting rooms for your routine non-stress test, you're relaxing on your favorite couch, monitoring your baby's heartbeat and movements right from home.
Sounds amazing, right?
That's the magic of Janitri’s Keyar DT Lite!
This nifty device is like having a mini-hospital room in your pocket. It's compact, user-friendly, and designed with you in mind. The Janitri Keyar DT Lite accurately monitors your little one's heart rate , giving you and your healthcare provider valuable insights into your baby's well-being.
Here's how this little wonder works in 4 simple steps:
Simply apply the gel on the device and place it on your belly where you find the baby’s heartbeat and secure it with a belt - no need for complicated setups.
Connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth - it's as easy as pairing your headphones!
Fire up the user-friendly app and start the monitoring process.
Sit back, relax, and let the device do its thing.
Maybe catch up on your favorite show or dive into that book you've been meaning to read.
The best part?
While you're enjoying your at-home NST session, the Janitri Keyar DT Lite is busy collecting crucial data about your baby's health. This information, you can securely send to your healthcare provider, allowing them to keep a close eye on your pregnancy without you having to leave your home.
Still struggling with “how to use?”
We got your worries! We have put together a helpful video showing exactly how to use the Keyar DT Lite.
Conclusion:
As you prepare for your NST, remember that this test is a valuable part of your prenatal care. It provides crucial information about your baby's health and helps ensure the best possible outcome for your pregnancy.
Want to learn more about NST? Check out our detailed blog on Non-stress Test and embrace this opportunity to connect with your little one and gain reassurance about their well-being.
If you have any concerns or questions about the NST or any aspect of your pregnancy, don't hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They're there to support you every step of the way on this incredible journey to motherhood.
FAQs:
Q: Is the NST test safe for my baby?
A: Yes, the NST is completely safe and non-invasive. It poses no harm to you or your child.
Q: How often will I need to have an NST?
A: The frequency depends on your pregnancy. Some women may have weekly NSTs, while others may only need them occasionally.
Q: Can I eat or drink before the NST?
A: Yes, it's often recommended to eat a light meal or snack about an hour before the test to stimulate fetal movement.
Q. Can I do NST at home?
A: Yes, you can do NST at home with Janitri Keyar DT Lite. Connect the device with Janitri:for Mothers application to start monitoring, it will generate a graph that you can directly share reports with your doctor.
Q: What happens if the NST results are non-reactive?
A: A non-reactive result doesn't always indicate a problem. Your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing or monitoring to ensure your baby's well-being.
Q: Will the NST tell me when I'll go into labour?
A: No, the NST doesn't predict labour. It's designed to assess your baby's current well-being.
Q: Can I bring someone with me to the NST?
A: Most healthcare providers allow a support person to accompany you during the test. Check with your clinic for their specific policies.
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To learn more about how Janitri's solutions can help you during pregnancy and labour, please visit our official site or contact us directly. Explore our resources, and discover how we can help you have a stress-free pregnancy and childbirth experience.
For assistance and inquiries, please reach out to us at:
Email: support@janitri.com
Phone: +91 888-444-1082
Website: www.janitri.com
Stay informed, prepared, and know that Janitri is with you every step of the way to a healthy and happy parenting experience.
Note: This blog highlights Janitri's dedication to providing innovative and reliable solutions for pregnancy monitoring, catering to the needs of both healthcare institutions and expectant mothers. With a focus on patient comfort, remote monitoring, and clinical validation, Janitri's products are revolutionising how pregnancy and newborn care are delivered.