Fetal Health Monitoring: Non-Stress Tests and Biophysical Profiles
Fetal health monitoring is essential for ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby during pregnancy. Techniques like Non-Stress Tests and Biophysical Profiles help healthcare providers assess the baby’s condition, detect potential issues early, and enable timely interventions to support a healthy pregnancy.
Explanation of Non-Stress Tests (NST) and Biophysical Profiles (BPP)
Non-Stress Test (NST)
Purpose: Monitors the baby’s heart rate in response to its movements.
Procedure: External fetal heart monitor placed on the mother’s abdomen, measuring the baby’s heart rate over a period, typically 20-30 minutes.
Usage: Helps assess fetal well-being, especially in high-risk pregnancies.
Biophysical Profile (BPP)
Purpose: Combines an NST with an ultrasound to evaluate the baby’s health.
Components: Measures fetal heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing, and amniotic fluid level.
Procedure: Includes an NST followed by an ultrasound to observe the baby’s physical and physiological characteristics.
Indications for These Tests
High-Risk Pregnancies – Conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or history of pregnancy complications.
Decreased Fetal Movements – When the mother reports less fetal activity.
Post-Term Pregnancy – Monitoring beyond 40 weeks of gestation.
Multiple Gestations – Especially if complications arise.
Maternal Health Concerns – Conditions such as hypertension, kidney disease, or lupus.
How These Tests Help in Assessing Fetal Well-Being
Non-Stress Test (NST)
Heart Rate Monitoring – Assesses if the baby’s heart rate increases appropriately with movements, indicating good oxygenation and health.
Quick and Non-Invasive – Provides immediate results and is easy to perform, requiring no special preparation.
Biophysical Profile (BPP)
Comprehensive Assessment – Evaluates multiple aspects of the baby’s health, giving a detailed picture of fetal well-being.
Early Detection of Issues – Identifies potential problems early, allowing for timely interventions to ensure the baby’s safety.
Shree Diagnostics and Clinic offers advanced testing including Non-Stress Tests (NST) and Biophysical Profiles (BPP). For those searching for a diagnostic centre near me or a women’s clinic near me, Shree Diagnostics ensures top-quality care with a range of medical diagnostics and radiology services. If you need the best heart doppler or are checking fetal heart rate, their expert team is ready to assist with comprehensive fetal monitoring during pregnancy.
