Third Trimester Tests During Pregnancy (cont.)

Electronic fetal heart monitoring

Electronic fetal heart monitoring is done during pregnancy, labor, and delivery to monitor the heart rate of the fetus. The fetal heart rate can indicate whether the fetus is doing well or is in trouble and can be done any time after 20 weeks.

Nonstress test

Done weekly in many high-risk pregnancies, such as in cases where a woman is carrying more than one fetus, or has diabetes or high blood pressure, this test involves using a fetal monitor strapped across the mother's abdomen to measure the baby's heart rate as it moves. It's also used for monitoring overdue babies.

Contraction stress test

Also done in high-risk pregnancies, a fetal monitor measures the baby's heart rate in response to contractions stimulated either by oxytocin (Pitocin) or nipple stimulation. Doctors use the measurements to predict how well the baby will cope with the stress of labor.

Biophysical profile

Combines a nonstress test with an ultrasound for a more accurate evaluation of the baby.

SOURCES:
Cohen & Powderly: Infectious Diseases, 2nd edition, 2004.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Electronic Fetal Heart Monitoring."
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Nonstress test."
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Contraction Stress Test."
Gabbe: Obstetrics-Normal and Problem Pregnancies, 4th edition, 2002.
Reviewed by Mikio A. Nihira, MD on July 12, 2012

Last Editorial Review: 7/12/2012

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Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/third_trimester_tests_during_pregnancy/article.htm