Who Gets the Test?<\/h4>\n

Some women who have complications during their\u00a0pregnancy\u00a0need a CST, although the test is much less common than it once was. More often, you would get a nonstress test or a\u00a0biophysical profile. If those results indicate a possible problem, your doctor may suggest a CST as a follow-up.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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What the Test Does<\/h4>\n

The\u00a0contraction stress test\u00a0helps predict how your baby will do during labor. The test triggers\u00a0contractions\u00a0and registers how your baby’s\u00a0heart\u00a0reacts. A normal heartbeat is a good sign that your baby will be healthy during labor.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ rt_wrp_col_paddings=”false” rt_border_top=”” rt_border_bottom=”” rt_border_left=”” rt_border_right=”” rt_border_top_mobile=”” rt_border_bottom_mobile=”” rt_border_left_mobile=”” rt_border_right_mobile=”” rt_bg_image_repeat=”repeat” rt_bg_size=”auto auto” rt_bg_position=”right top” rt_bg_attachment=”scroll”][vc_single_image image=”3412″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row rt_row_background_width=”default” rt_row_style=”default-style” rt_row_borders=”” rt_row_paddings=”true” rt_bg_effect=”classic” rt_bg_image_repeat=”repeat” rt_bg_size=”cover” rt_bg_position=”right top” rt_bg_attachment=”scroll” rt_bg_video_format=”self-hosted”][vc_column rt_wrp_col_paddings=”false” rt_border_top=”” rt_border_bottom=”” rt_border_left=”” rt_border_right=”” rt_border_top_mobile=”” rt_border_bottom_mobile=”” rt_border_left_mobile=”” rt_border_right_mobile=”” rt_bg_image_repeat=”repeat” rt_bg_size=”auto auto” rt_bg_position=”right top” rt_bg_attachment=”scroll”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

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How the Test Is Done<\/h4>\n

You’ll lie down with two belts around your belly. One measures your baby’s heartbeat and the other measures\u00a0contractions. To trigger contractions, your doctor may give you a dose of the drug oxytocin through an IV in your arm. Or your doctor may suggest that you rub your nipples through your clothing, which can start contractions. Then you wait while the monitors record contractions and your baby’s heartbeat. The test takes about two hours. The contractions can be uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

CST is usually safe, but it sometimes triggers early labor. The test is riskier for women who have\u00a0placenta previa, a higher risk of uterine rupture, or who had a previous C-section. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks before the test.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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