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Fetal heart monitoring - Results

Alternative Names

Non-stress test; NST; CST; Contraction; Scalp monitoring

Normal Values:

Normal values indicate that the fetus is not in distress by showing a fetal heart rate between 120 and 160 beats per minute. A variability of 5 - 25 beats per minute from the baseline (normal) fetal heart rate may occur.

The fetal heart rate may drop slightly during a contraction, since placental blood supply is diminished under the compression of a uterine contraction. This is normal as long as the fetal heart rate recovers quickly once the contraction has stopped.

What abnormal results mean:

Fetal heart monitoring tests can detect the following abnormal situations or conditions:

  • Cord compression (there is no free blood flow to the fetus)
  • Fetal heart block (where there is a block of electrical flow within the heart muscle causing an altered heart rhythm)
  • Fetal malposition
  • Fetal hypoxia (insufficient oxygen supply to the fetus)
  • Infection (monitoring cannot diagnose an infection, but can suggest the presence of an infection)
  • Uteroplacental insufficiency (insufficient oxygen exchange between the uterus and the placenta)
  • Fetal distress
  • Abruptio placenta
  • Reviewed last on: 5/8/2008
  • Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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