The suspicious contraction stress test

Obstet Gynecol. 1978 Apr;51(4):415-8. doi: 10.1097/00006250-197804000-00006.

Abstract

From a clinical service using the contraction stress test as an evaluator of fetal well-being, a 37-month review of the significance of the suspicious contraction stress test was performed. There were no antepartum losses in a group of 107 patients whose initial test was suspicious. Following each testing a number of patients delivered spontaneously or were delivered for other reasons. Results in 5 of 67 patients at the second testing changed from a suspicious to a positive test, 36 became negative, and 26 remained suspicious. There were no further conversions to a positive test after the second testing. There is a strong correlation between the loss of fetal heart reactivity and the repeated suspicious contraction stress test. The chief value of the suspicious test is as a marker in the high-risk pregnancy appraisal for consideration of additional fetal and maternal evaluation and possible clinical management alteration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fetal Heart / physiopathology*
  • Fetal Monitoring* / methods
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk
  • Uterine Contraction*