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Antepartum Fetal Surveillance

The most commonly used antepartum tests for fetal well being are the contraction stress test (CST), the nonstress test antepartum fetal surveillance, fetal surveillance, fetal monitoring (NST), the biophysical profile (BPP), the modified biophysical profile (MBPP), and fetal movement assessment (ie, kick counts).

The CST evaluates the response of the fetal heart rate to uterine contractions.

The CST relies on the assumption that when fetal oxygenation is only marginally adequate with the uterus at rest, oxygenation will be transiently worsen when uterine contractions occur. The intermittent fetal hypoxemia during contractions leads to late decelerations of the fetal heart rate.

Persistent late decelerations are a antepartum fetal surveillance, fetal surveillance, fetal monitoring, nonstress test reliable indicator of suboptimal fetal oxygenation.

Uterine contractions may also produce variable decelerations due to cord compression, suggesting oligohydramnios.

Contraction Stress Test Technique

1. The fetal heart rate and contraction activity is monitored, and a baseline tracing is Antepartum Fetal Surveillance obtained. The test is considered satisfactory if at least 3 contractions of 40 seconds Antepartum Fetal Surveillance duration or more are present in a 10-minute period. If fewer than 3 contractions of at Antepartum Fetal Surveillance least 40 seconds duration occur during the 10 minute period, contractions are induced with Antepartum Fetal Surveillance either nipple stimulation or intravenous oxytocin.
2. Nipple stimulation is usually successful in inducing an adequate contraction pattern. Antepartum Fetal Surveillance The antepartum fetal surveillance, fetal surveillance, fetal monitoring, monitoring woman is instructed to rub one nipple gently, through her clothing, for 2 minutes or Antepartum Fetal Surveillance until a contraction begins.
3. Oxytocin may also be used to stimulate antepartum fetal surveillance, fetal surveillance, fetal monitoring, nonstress test contractions by infusing it at 0.5-1.0 mU/min, Antepartum Fetal Surveillance doubled every antepartum fetal surveillance, fetal surveillance, fetal monitoring, monitoring 15-20 minutes until an adequate contraction pattern occurs.

1. Negative.