Contraction Stress Test: What You Need to Know
21 Dec 2024
A contraction stress test (CST) is a prenatal test that checks how your baby’s heart rate responds to uterine contractions. This test helps determine whether your baby is receiving enough oxygen during contractions, which is particularly useful for pregnancies that are considered high-risk or when other tests show potential concerns.
Why Is a Contraction Stress Test Done?
The CST is usually performed if:- Other tests, like a nonstress test, are inconclusive.
- You have conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia that may affect the placenta's function.
- Your healthcare provider wants to assess how well your baby will handle labor contractions.
How Is the Test Performed?
- Monitoring: You’ll be hooked up to two monitors—one to measure contractions and another to track the baby’s heart rate.
- Uterine stimulation: Contractions are triggered either naturally, by gently stimulating your nipples, or with a small dose of oxytocin (Pitocin) through an IV.
- Response observation: As contractions occur, your doctor will observe whether your baby’s heart rate drops, remains steady, or accelerates.
What Do the Results Mean?
- Negative CST: This is a good result. It means your baby’s heart rate remained normal during contractions.
- Positive CST: This result indicates that your baby’s heart rate dropped (decelerations) during contractions, which may suggest reduced oxygen supply. Further testing or monitoring may be needed.
- Equivocal or Suspicious CST: Results are unclear, and your provider may recommend repeating the test or performing additional assessments, like a biophysical profile (BPP).
Is It Safe?
The CST is generally safe but does come with a small risk of triggering preterm labor. This is why the test is usually reserved for situations where the benefits outweigh the risks.A contraction stress test is an important tool to evaluate how well your baby tolerates contractions and ensure they’re receiving enough oxygen. While it may sound intimidating, the test provides crucial information for managing your pregnancy and planning for a safe delivery. Always consult your healthcare provider to understand the need and results of the test.
