 It
is a test of your baby’s health. It checks your baby’s heart beat
without stressing your baby. It may also show if you are having any contractions.
You are asked to lie in a comfortable position (usually half sitting up on the bed.) The fetal heart monitor has two (2) attachments, one to record your baby’s heart rate and one that checks for contractions.
No. The heart rate monitor is placed on the outside of your body and in no way does it hurt your baby.
There is no pain or discomfort from a non-stress test.
There are many reasons why you may need a non-stress test – you may be overdue, the baby may not be as active as it had been, you may think your water has broken, your baby may be smaller, or larger than the average baby of the same age. You may have other medical problems e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure.
The actual non-stress test will be 20 – 30 minutes. Sometimes it is difficult to get a good tracing right away and more time may be needed.
Come to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Enter the building at
the special entrance to Labour & Delivery located at the South East corner
of the building.
You may park in the parking lot near the Labour and Delivery Entrance.
Avoid smoking cigarettes for I hour prior to the test. You should have eaten a meal before coming, but avoid caffeine in coffee, tea or colas. If your last meal was more than 2 hours ago, then a healthy snack should be eaten.
The Labour and Delivery Unit is open 24 hours a day. Your Doctor or Midwife
may book an appointment for you, or you may call directly 684-6540 to arrange
a time. You may call anytime if you have any questions.
No. You may bring one friend or relative with you. It is best not to bring young children. The hospital staff are not able to supervise them. Please do not bring more than one person with you.
Please phone 684-6540 one (1) hour prior to your scheduled appointment
to avoid waiting.
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