What is the primary purpose of a non-stress test during gestation?

The primary purpose of a non-stress test during gestation is to assess the fetal heart rate response to movement. This test is crucial for evaluating how the baby's heart rate reacts when the fetus is moving, which is indicative of fetal well-being. A healthy fetus typically shows an acceleration in heart rate in response to movement due to increased oxygen demands.

This test helps in determining if the fetus is getting enough oxygen and if there is any potential distress. Healthcare providers look for two or more heart rate accelerations that occur within a specific timeframe, which is a sign of a reactive non-stress test and suggests that the fetus is healthy and responding well.

While evaluating maternal nutrition, determining fetal weight, and monitoring maternal contractions are important aspects of prenatal care, they are not the primary focus of a non-stress test. Understanding this distinction is key to grasping the role non-stress tests play in monitoring fetal health during pregnancy.