What is a common indication to perform a non-stress test (NST)?

A non-stress test (NST) is primarily utilized to assess fetal well-being, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy. It evaluates the fetal heart rate in response to movements, indicating how well the fetus is managing the stress of in utero life. A reactive NST shows that the fetus is likely healthy and receives adequate oxygen.

In this context, monitoring the fetal heart rate patterns allows healthcare providers to gather important information about the fetus's condition without imposing stress, making the assessment crucial, especially for pregnancies that may be considered at risk.

Other options, while relevant in certain contexts, do not reflect the primary purpose of conducting an NST. Conditions like high maternal disease incidence, labor onset identification, and maternal weight monitoring play roles in overall maternal-fetal care, but they are not direct indications for the NST itself. The focus of the NST is specifically to monitor and ensure fetal well-being, confirming why this choice is the most appropriate.