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Health & Pregnancy

Pregnancy Essentials

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Contraction Stress Test

(continued)

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

Past pregnancy problems, such as a cesarean section with a midline (vertical) incision, placenta previa, or placenta abruptio. The test also is not recommended if you are pregnant with more than one baby, are likely to have premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), have an incompetent cervix, or have been given magnesium sulfate during your pregnancy.
A uterine surgery in the past. Strong contractions may cause the uterus to rupture.
If you smoke or use cocaine.
Movements of your baby during the test. It may be hard for the sensors to record your baby's heart rate or contractions.
Being very overweight.
Having a full bladder.

What To Think About

A contraction stress test may show decelerations when your baby is not actually having problems. This is called a false-positive result.
Some doctors use oxytocin instead of nipple stimulation because nipple stimulation can cause long, uncontrolled contractions.

Other Works Consulted
Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2004). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Handbook of Diagnostic Tests (2003). 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised	December 9, 2010

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 09, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.