Contraction stress test

Contraction Stress Test (CST) is a prenatal test used to evaluate the health and well-being of a fetus. It is performed in the third trimester of pregnancy and is used to determine how well the fetus will cope with the stress of labor and delivery.

Overview

The Contraction Stress Test is a non-stress test that involves monitoring the fetal heart rate in response to uterine contractions. It is typically performed in a hospital or a healthcare provider's office and takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Procedure

The test is performed by placing two belts around the mother's abdomen. One belt measures the frequency and duration of uterine contractions, while the other monitors the fetal heart rate. The mother may be asked to press a button each time she feels the fetus move, which is recorded on the monitor.

If the mother is not already experiencing contractions, they may be induced using either nipple stimulation or a medication called oxytocin. The healthcare provider will then monitor the fetal heart rate in response to the contractions.

Interpretation

The results of a Contraction Stress Test are interpreted as either negative or positive. A negative result, which is the desired outcome, means that the fetal heart rate did not show signs of distress during contractions. A positive result indicates that the fetal heart rate showed signs of distress, such as decelerations, during contractions. This could suggest that the fetus might not be getting enough oxygen or that there could be problems with the placenta.

Risks and Considerations

While the Contraction Stress Test is generally safe, it does carry some risks. These include the potential for preterm labor if contractions are induced, discomfort from the contractions, and the potential for false-positive results. It is also not recommended for women with certain high-risk conditions, such as placenta previa or a history of preterm labor.

See Also

• Non-stress test
• Biophysical profile
• Prenatal testing