Tests to monitor your baby's well-being

Your health care provider may do the following tests to check your baby's progress and growth.

Nonstress test

• You lie down for about 30 minutes.
• Two small, round parts of a fetal monitor are placed on your abdomen.
• One records your baby's heart rate.
• The other detects any uterine activity, such as preterm contractions.
• If your test results are "reactive," that's good news -- your baby is responding in a healthy way.

Biophysical profile

• Biophysical profile uses both ultrasound and a fetal monitor to evaluate five areas: your baby's breathing motions, body movements, muscle tone, amniotic fluid amount and heart rate activity. The fetal monitor evaluates the heart rate activity.
• Two points are given for each measurement.
• A score of eight to 10 is reassuring.
• Lower scores may mean that your health care provider will want to further evaluate your baby's health.
• Because you have gestational diabetes, you may need this test done regularly until your baby's birth.

Ultrasound

This test works a bit like underwater radar, creating a picture of your baby and placenta.

1. Gel is applied to your abdomen as you rest.
2. A technician moves a transducer (microphone) over your abdomen.
3. A picture of your baby and placenta appears on a nearby monitor. Sometimes the ultrasound equipment can take a photo for you to take home.

Ultrasound can:

Ultrasound

Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body.

Learn more about ultrasound in our health encyclopedia.

Fetal monitor

Fetal heart monitoring lets the health care provider monitor the baby's heartbeat in the uterus, including during labor.

Learn more about fetal monitors in our health encyclopedia.

• determine the age of your baby
• detect the presence of twins
• help determine your due date
• measure your baby's growth and development
• sometimes determine your baby's gender