The value of nonstress test in the assessment of fetal well being before 34 weeks of gestation - a prospective analysis

Year 1994, Volume: 7 Issue: 2, 59 - 63, 01.04.1994

M. Erenos L. Kutlay N. Ceyhan S. Pekin

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate prospectively the fetal heart rate characteristics and determine fetal heart rate and fetal movement relations and the value of nonstress test (NST) in low risk pregnancies between 26 and 34 weeks. Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. Periodic NST with two weeks intervals were performed from 26 to 34 weeks. In a 30 minutes period fetal movements and fetal heart rate tracings were evaluated. Peripartum events, intrapartum fetal heart rate tracings, Apgar scores of the neonate were also recorded. There was a significant decrease in baseline fetal heart rate and a significant increase in the mean amplitude of accelerations after 30th week of gestation. The ratio of fetal movement associated with accelarations exceeding 10 bpm were 31.35, 38.3, 52.75, 68.25 and 84%, the ratio of reactive tests were 5, 40, 65, 90 and 100% for 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34 weeks respectively. It appears that NST is a useful technique in the assessment of well being for premature fetuses as well, especially after 30 weeks of gestation. However the criteria for interpretation of the tracings of these fetuses should be reevaluated and a consensus should be achieved.

Keywords

Nonstress Test, Prematurity

References

• Lee CY, Di Loreto PC, Logrand B. Fetal activity acceleration determination for the evaluation of fetal reserve. Obstet Qynecol 1976,48 19-26.