Antepartum Testing
To monitor the well-being of your baby, your doctor may refer you to Antepartum Testing. The tests described below are simple, comfortable, non-invasive and safe. They take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Most women enjoy these tests because they provide reassurance about the health of their baby.
If you are a first-time visitor to our Antepartum Testing Center, please register in the lobby of 3700 California Street 20 minutes prior to your scheduled testing time. After registering, take the elevator to the 5th Floor and check in at the main desk. Your baby will probably be more active if you have recently eaten, so it's a good idea to have a snack or meal just prior to your visit.
Following is a description of the most common antepartum tests:
Non Stress Test (NST)
The NST involves the use of a fetal monitor to record the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. The fetal heart rate is observed for increases that occur when the baby moves.
Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI)
The AFI involves the use of an ultrasound machine to scan the uterus and measure the amniotic fluid around the baby. The depth of the fluid pockets is measured externally with sound waves. These measurements indicate whether there is adequate fluid surrounding the baby.
Additional tests your doctor may order include:
Amniocentesis
If there is a need for your baby to be born early, an amniocentesis can be performed to determine if the baby's lungs are mature. In this procedure, a thin needle is inserted through the mother's abdominal wall into the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby and a small amount of fluid is withdrawn. This sample is then sent to the laboratory for assessment of the baby's lung maturity.
Back to top
Biophysical Profile (BPP)
The BPP consists of observations made during your antepartum testing ultrasound and fetal monitoring. This test is usually performed only when additional information is needed. After performing the NST and AFI, we look at the baby under ultrasound to observe for various fetal movements. The BPP is a limited sonogram that assesses fetal well-being and is not used to measure fetal size, determine gender or diagnose fetal conditions.
Back to top
Breast Stimulation Stress Test (BSST)
In this test, a fetal monitor is used to measure the fetal heart rate response to uterine contractions. The patient stimulates her contractions by applying warm towels to her breasts and either massaging or rolling her nipples. This causes a release of oxytocin which produces mild contractions. By looking at the baby's heart rate response to the contractions, the adequacy of placental blood flow can be evaluated.
Back to top
Doppler Flow Study (DFS)
This test uses ultrasound to evaluate the umbilical cord blood flow. The health of the placenta can then be assessed.
Back to top
Version
If your baby has not settled into a head-down position in the last month of your pregnancy, an external version may be performed by your physician. After administering a small dose of medication to relax the uterus, your physician will place his or her hands on the mother's abdomen and with ultrasound guidance, attempt to move the baby to a head-down position. The fetal monitor is used to continuously monitor the baby's heart rate.
Back to top
Contact Information
Antepartum Testing
California Pacific Medical Center
3700 California Street, 5th Floor
Tel. (415) 600-6232
Back to top