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

"Ultrasound uses sound waves to 'see' your baby and placenta. This test works a bit like underwater radar."

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:

• 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