How is a NST Performed?
NST is non-invasive. Two belts are attached to the mother’s abdomen, one to measure fetal heart rate and another to measure contractions. The baby’s heart rate and the “reactivity” of heart rate to fetal movement are measured for 20-30 minutes. If the baby does not move, he or she could just be asleep. A nurse may use a small “buzzer” to wake the baby.