What does a contraction stress test evaluate?

A contraction stress test evaluates the fetal heart rate response to uterine contractions. This test is crucial for assessing the well-being of the fetus, particularly in situations where there may be concerns about fetal distress or insufficient oxygenation. During the test, uterine contractions are induced (often through nipple stimulation or oxytocin administration), and the fetal heart rate is monitored for any changes in its patterns.

A healthy response would typically show a reassuring heart rate pattern, often characterized by accelerations in response to the contractions. If the fetal heart rate decelerates in a concerning manner during the contractions, it could indicate that the fetus is not tolerating labor well or that there may be issues with placental function. This makes the contraction stress test an important tool for evaluating fetal health in the context of labor and delivery.

The other choices focus on various aspects of maternal health or fetal behavior that, while related to the overall monitoring during pregnancy and labor, do not specifically pertain to the primary goal of the contraction stress test itself, which is centered on the fetal heart rate responses during contractions.