Publication:

Non-stress test as an admission test to assess the outcome in all pregnant women attending tertiary care center

Background Perinatal mortality remains high in developing countries, including India, where it is approximately 32 per 1000 live births. The non-stress test (NST) is a non-invasive, simple, and widely used method to assess fetal well-being after 30 weeks of gestation. A reactive NST usually indicates adequate fetal oxygenation, while a non-reactive result may suggest hypoxia or neurological depression.

Methods This prospective study included 100 pregnant women (>30 weeks gestation) with singleton pregnancies admitted to the labour ward of Navodaya medical college, Raichur. NST was performed in the semi-recumbent or left lateral position for 20 minutes (extended to 40 minutes if non-reactive). Outcomes assessed included mode of delivery, birth weight, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, NICU admissions, maternal complications, and hospital stay duration.

Results Reactive NST was recorded in 78% of participants, non-reactive in 16%, and suspicious in 6%. Non-reactive and suspicious NSTs were significantly associated with higher emergency caesarean section rates (50% vs 17.9%), increased NICU admissions (37.5% and 33.3% vs 5.1%), lower Apgar scores, and greater incidence of meconium-stained liquor and intrapartum fetal distress (p<0.05).

Conclusions Admission NST is a reliable predictor of perinatal outcome. Reactive NSTs are associated with favorable outcomes, whereas non-reactive/suspicious results indicate higher perinatal risk, necessitating timely intervention.