A contraction stress test (CST) is performed near the end of pregnancy to determine how well the fetus will cope with the contractions of childbirth. The aim is to induce the contractions and monitor the baby to check for heart rate abnormalities. It involves the release of oxytocin into the blood stream of the pregnant woman by the stimulation of the nipples. The target is to achieve around three contractions every ten minutes. A pregnant woman Pregnancy is the carrying of one or more embryos or feti by female mammals including humans inside their bodies. ... Fetus at eight weeks A fetus (alternatively foetus or fœtus) is an unborn vertebrate offspring after the embryonary stage. ... In medicine (obstetrics), a contraction is a forceful motion of the uterus, generated by the release of oxytocin (quick labor) by the pituitary gland, culminating in childbirth. ... Childbirth (also called labour, birth, or parturition) is the culmination of a human pregnancy with the emergence of a newborn infant from its mothers uterus. ... Heart Rate is a term used to describe the frequency of the cardiac cycle. ... Oxytocin is a hormone, found in humans and other mammals, which is involved in the facilitation of birth and breastfeeding as well as in bonding and the formation of trust between people. ... Nipple is, generally, the name given to the mammalian nipple, or to things resembling it, such as the tip of an artificial teat or the tip of a grease-secreting mechanism in machinery. ...

An oxytocin challenge test (OCT) is sometimes performed afterwards, usually if the CST failed to give clear readings or the uterus did not contract at an appropriate rate. This involves oxytocin being given to woman via an intravenous drip. Female internal reproductive anatomy The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. ... An intravenous drip in a hospital Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the administration of liquid substances directly into a vein. ...

The test returns positive if there are noticeable decelerations of the heart rate during over half of the contractions.

History

The test was first introduced in 1972 and was standardised in 1975 when the parameters of contraction number and frequency were given.

Contraindications

This "stress test" is usually not performed if there are any signs of premature birth or placenta praevia. Premature birth (also known as preterm birth) is defined medically as birth occurring earlier than 37 completed weeks of gestation. ...

See also

• Braxton Hicks

For the album Braxton Hicks by Jebediah see Braxton Hicks (album). ...

References

• von Almen, William F. "Antepartal Fetal Surveillance" at OBGYN.net. Accessed 1 August 2005.

August 1st is the 213th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (214th in leap years), with 152 days remaining. ... 2005 is a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Oxytocin Challenge Test at iPaki.com