One of the most important questions that an obstetrician can ask a pregnant woman is how well is her baby moving. If you feel the baby is moving less than normal, you will need to be monitored. This is commonly referred to as a "Non-Stress Test" or "NST."
An NST is safe and non-invasive. The fetal heart rate is observed and evidence of accelerations of heart rate are looked for. A reactive tracing is a good finding. It implies fetal well being at that time.
Your doctor should decide what needs to be done next. There are many other indications of having Non-Stress Tests. These include:
You will also need a Non Stress Test if your baby is overdue. The NST is only good for a short period of time. It may need to be repeated once or twice a week, or maybe even everyday. Your physician should tell you how often this test is needed, and when it is needed.
Do not be scared by an NST. It is safe, simple, and may save your baby's life.