- Determines fetal well being and fetal ability to withstand stress of labor; done for abnormal NST or at risk fetus, assesses placental function.
- Monitoring requires indirect fetal external monitor, and positioning is fowler's position; same as NST but with the use of Oxytocin.
- Baseline and frequent maternal BP readings are taken; test takes 1-3 hours with close monitoring until there's contractions.
- Results:
- Negative (normal) - absence of late decelerations of FHR with each of 3 contractions, negative window.
- Positive (abnormal) - presence of late decelerations of FHR with 3 contractions during 10 minute period; positive window.
- Equivocal or suspiscious - absence of positive or negative window.
- Unsatisfactory - inadequate contractions of tracing.
- High risk pregnancies continue with weekly negative tests.
