Contraction Stress Test
Oxytocin Challenge Test
Results
A contraction stress test checks to see if your baby (fetus) will be okay with the reduced oxygen levels that normally occur during contractions when you are in labour.
Contraction stress test Normal: Normal test results are called negative.
Your baby's heart rate does not get lower (decelerate) and stay low after the contraction (late decelerations). Note: There may be a few times during the test when your baby's heart rate decelerates, but it doesn't stay low so it is not a problem.
If three contractions occur during a 10-minute period of nipple stimulation or oxytocin infusion and there are no late decelerations in your baby's heart rate, your baby is expected to be able to tolerate the stress of labour.
Results of the test tell your baby's health for 1 week. The test may need to be done more than once during your pregnancy.
Abnormal: Abnormal test results are called positive.
A slower heart rate (late decelerations) that stays low after the contraction may mean that your baby will have problems during normal labour. It may also mean that your baby will develop problems if delivery is delayed.
Contractions that last longer than 90 seconds and occur every few minutes are present. This is called hyperstimulation.
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| Author: | Carrie Henley Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: May 15, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
 | Results |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |