A pregnancy stress test is performed to check the baby’s response to the stress of a contraction during labor. It’s also known as a contraction stress test or the oxytocin challenge test and makes sure the baby gets enough oxygen from the placenta. During a contraction, blood flow and oxygen to the baby through the placenta slows temporarily. A healthy placenta is able to store blood to give the baby plenty of oxygen during contractions, though. The pregnancy stress test is not used very often anymore because it’s difficult to administer, expensive and riskier than alternatives like the non-stress test.
The Stress Test Procedure
You’ll need to avoid eating and drinking for 6 to 8 hours before the stress test, just in case an emergency c-section is required after getting the results. You’ll need to lie down on your left side while a technician or nurse straps a heart monitor and a contraction monitor to your belly. A machine will record the baby’s heart rate and any contractions on graph paper.
The test will go on until you’ve had three contractions within ten minutes, each lasting between 40 and 60 seconds. The entire test may take up to 2 hours. The contractions should not be strong enough to induce labor and may feel like mild to moderate menstrual cramps. If you don’t have contractions within the first 15 minutes, your physician may give you a dose of Pitocin, or synthetic oxytocin, to get contractions started.
You’ll need to wait at the office or hospital for a while after the test is complete to make sure your contractions either stop or go back to a pre-test level.
What is the Pregnancy Stress Test?
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