I am 36 weeks pregnant and have gestational diabetes, well-controlled by diet only. What is the non-stress test? How it is performed? Who needs to undergo this test? What are the implications of the result?

A non-stress test is a means of assessment of fetal well-being by monitoring the fetal heart rate for a period of time. This is done in the doctor’s office. You are connected to a fetal heart rate monitor like the one used when you are in labor. When the baby kicks, you push a button to mark the movement. A reassuring result is an acceleration of the fetal heart rate in association with fetal movement. This is done on patients with decreased fetal movement or if there is concern about fetal distress. An example would be a woman with insulin dependent diabetes. Usually, a woman with gestational diabetes well controlled on diet would not need this time of evaluation. However, your doctor may have other concerns.

OWJ