Check firstCheck with your care teamTest or decision

Nonstress test or cardiotocography monitoring

A nonstress test records fetal heart-rate patterns over time and is interpreted with pregnancy week, movement and the reason for monitoring.

Direct guidance

What to know or do

Ask what prompted the test, how long it may take, what the result means and whether another test is needed. Do not use a home Doppler or phone app as a substitute for recommended monitoring.

What changes the answer

  • Whether this is screening, diagnosis, monitoring, treatment or birth planning
  • Pregnancy week, previous results and what the result could change
  • Benefits, limits, alternatives, follow-up and the time available to decide

Check with your care team

When to get individual help

Check the exact item or situation with a doctor, midwife, pharmacist or relevant clinician; the name of a broad category is not enough for a personal decision.