OBSTETRIC TECHNOLOGY
Fetal Testing
• Fetal Kick Counts – After 28 weeks of pregnancy , we will encourage you to learn how much your baby moves . Decreased fetal movement is a good predictor of the need to evaluate your baby . If your baby takes more than two hours to make ten movements , we ask that you contact your physician or nurse . Remember , babies usually move most in the evening . If you do not feel your baby moving , lie down and drink some fluid . If you still do not feel any movement , please contact your physician or nurse .
• Non-Stress Test – This test , which usually takes 20-40 minutes to complete , involves using external fetal monitors to evaluate your baby . The fetal heart rate will usually rise while your baby is moving . This test provides your doctor with important information regarding the wellbeing of your baby .
• Biophysical Profile – This test combines a non-stress test with an ultrasound evaluation of the baby to evaluate the baby ’ s wellbeing . The physician looks for normal fluid levels and normal fetal movement . uabmedicine . org 35