Contraction stress test
A contraction stress test (CST) measures the fetus's ability to tolerate the stress of uterine contractions started (induced) before true labor begins.
Electronic fetal heart monitoring is done during a contraction stress test to evaluate the fetus's heart rate during contractions. The fetus's heart rate during contractions helps evaluate the placenta's ability to provide enough oxygen to the fetus.
A contraction stress test that indicates the placenta is not supplying enough oxygen to the fetus will help the doctor determine the safest method of delivery.
A contraction stress test is also called an oxytocin challenge test.
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Author | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | September 5, 2006 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
September 05, 2006
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