Obstetrics
Tests for foetal wellbeing
Used when growth, fluid or movements give concern, with the frequency of surveillance set by the findings.
Tests for foetal wellbeing
Tests For Foetal Wellbeing
Tests for foetal wellbeing show how the baby is coping and how the placenta is working. At Sradha Women Care these tests — Amniotic Fluid Index, Non-Stress Test and Doppler Study — are done in the clinic by the gynaecologist who is managing your pregnancy.
Performed in the clinic as part of antenatal care and as a day care / out-patient service.
Tests offered
- Amniotic Fluid Index
- Non-Stress Test – NST
- Doppler Study
When they are used
- Reduced foetal movements
- Scan showing slow growth or low fluid
- Diabetes or hypertension in pregnancy
- Pregnancy past the due date, or twins
Ultrasound for foetal wellbeing
Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans for foetal growth and Amniotic Fluid Index, read by the doctor who examined you and compared against your earlier scans.
Ultrasound in later pregnancy
- Assessment of fetal development and growth
- Doppler Study for fetal wellbeing
- Assessment of Amniotic Fluid – AFI
- Diagnosis of pregnancy related complication like RPOC, Placenta Previa, Retroplacental Clots, IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction)
Monitoring the heart rate
The non-stress test records the baby’s heart rate over 20–40 minutes and how it responds to movement.
Non-stress test (NST)
A reactive trace — accelerations with movement — is reassuring. A flat or decelerating trace is repeated or followed by Doppler and a decision the same day.
Serial growth scans
Repeated at intervals of two to three weeks to plot the baby’s weight against the expected curve and detect intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) early.
In summary
Acting on the results
Every test result is explained to you and written into your record, with what it means for the next visit and, where necessary, for the timing of delivery. Nothing is left as ‘we’ll see’.
Included in this care
- Amniotic fluid index (AFI)
- Non-stress test (NST)
- Umbilical artery Doppler study
- Serial growth scans
- Assessment of foetal development and movement pattern
- Diagnosis of complications such as RPOC, placenta previa and retroplacental clots
When to come in
- You notice the baby moving less than usual
- A previous scan showed low fluid or slow growth
- You are past your due date
If any of these apply, book a visit rather than waiting for the next routine check.
Related obstetrics services
Pregnancy care
Antenatal care from the first missed period to delivery, with the visit schedule set to your own risk profile.
High-risk obstetrics
Pregnancies that need closer surveillance, with defined thresholds for review and admission rather than reassurance alone.
Delivery and VBAC
The intended route of delivery is agreed with you before term, with the reasons stated in writing.