NST stands for “non-stress test”, which is a test done at the doctor’s office or hospital to assess the wellness of the baby.

The mom will have the monitor placed around her abdomen and it will check for contractions and fetal heart rate. An amniotic fluid level check done by ultrasound may be performed on the same day as the NST. The nurse/doctor is looking for the baby’s heart rate to increase when she/he kicks, just as yours does when you move. For more information go to Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Health from ACOG