Nonstress test


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Nonstress test


A nonstress test determines the response of the fetal heart rate to fetal movements.

During a nonstress test, an external monitor is placed around the mother's abdomen to record the fetal heart rate. This is called “running a strip.” Each time the fetus moves, the movement is noted on the recording chart. Any changes in heart rate during movements are also noted.

If the fetus is asleep, the mother may be asked to press on her abdomen or make a loud noise to awake the fetus.

Credits


Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Author Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Tom Bailey, MD

- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH

- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD

- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated September 5, 2006

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Last updated: September 05, 2006
Author: Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Reviewed By: Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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