PREGNANCY TESTS For most pregnant women, carrying a baby to term is largely a mysterious process. This section helps new parents answer some of the most important questions about pregnancy and childbirth.

Assessment of Fetal Well-being

You have read about how ultrasound aids us in detecting the structural malformation in the fetus before the baby is born.

Similarly, fetal well being gives us an idea if the fetus is getting compromised in any way inside due to less blood flow and less oxygen supply to it.

Your doctor will guide you as to which test to go for and when.

Should I go for this monitoring?

If you fall into a high risk group, you will have to go for this but if your pregnancy is progressing normally, you will be taught and asked to monitor your fetal kick count and assessment will be done only if you indicate a problem.

Who is a high risk case?

1. Chronic hypertension, pre eclampsia
2. Cholestasis of pregnancy
3. Diabetes
4. Chronic renal disease
5. Rh iso immunization
6. Any cardiac disease
7. Chronic asthma
8. Epilepsy or convulsions
9. Substance abuse
10. Multiple pregnancy
11. Intrauterine growth restriction
12. Oligohydramnios / polyhydramnios
13. Previous stillbirth/bad obstetric history
14. Decreased fetal movement
15. Post term pregnancy

When should I go for this testing?

This is an individual decision though we suggest by 32 weeks so that adequate action can be taken if needed.

What tests can be done?

The most commonly done tests are

• Fetal movement count
• Non stress test
• Vibroacoustic stimulation test
• Contraction stress test
• Biophysical profile
• Doppler velocity waveform

Read ...

• Tests for Fetal Well-being