A nonstress test determines the response of the fetal heartrate to fetal movements.

During a nonstress test, an external monitor is placed aroundthe mother's abdomen to record the fetal heart rate. This is called “runninga strip.” Each time the fetus moves, the movement is noted on the recordingchart. Any changes in heart rate during movements are also noted.

If the fetus is asleep, the mother may be asked to presson her abdomen or make a loud noise to awake the fetus.