Non- Stress Test: A Tests to Assess the Outcome of High-Risk Pregnancy

Abstract

Background:

The non-stress test (NST) is a widely used technique for antepartum fetal evaluation. It detects fetal heart rate acceleration in response to fetal movement, reflecting the association between fetal neurological status and cardiovascular reflex responses. This association is one of the earliest indicators to disappear during progressive fetal compromise.

Methods:

This study evaluated the predictive value of NST for fetal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies. One hundred women with high-risk pregnancies were enrolled between August 2013 and May 2016 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, B.R.S.H., Kolkata. NST was performed using cardiotocography (CTG) according to NICE guidelines.

Results:

Of the 100 patients, 22% had non-reactive NST results, while 78% had reactive results. The risk of intrapartum fetal distress (IPFD) was 8.31 times higher for patients with non-reactive NST results compared to those with reactive results (p < 0.05). NICU admission rates were higher in the non-reactive group (9.1%) than in the reactive group (3.8%). Perinatal mortality rates were also higher in the non-reactive group (4.5%) than in the reactive group (1.3%).

Conclusion:

While preventing stillbirths is crucial, ensuring the birth of a healthy baby without birth-related disabilities or complications is equally important. Research aimed at developing tests to detect and prevent neurodevelopmental defects is desirable. Currently, NST primarily focuses on preventing stillbirths.