NST (Non-Stress Test) Purpose: To assess fetal heart rate (FHR) in response to fetal movements. What it measures: Baseline fetal heart rate Accelerations of fetal heart rate when the baby moves Variability (short-term beat-to-beat changes) Key idea: If the baby’s heart rate increases appropriately when it moves, this suggests good oxygenation. What is NOT measured: NST does not record uterine contractions. When used: Antepartum (before labor) For routine third-trimester surveillance in high-risk pregnancies (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, decreased fetal movements) ✅ CTG (Cardiotocography) Also called EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitoring) or 'contraction test graph.' Purpose: To monitor both fetal heart rate AND uterine contractions. What it measures: Fetal heart rate (same information as NST) Uterine activity Frequency of contractions Duration Intensity (external monitor estimates only) Used in: Labor (intrapartum monitoring) Antepartum testing to evaluate contractions and FHR together ⭐ Key Differences at a Glance Feature NST CTG Measures fetal heart rate ✔️ Yes ✔️ Yes Measures uterine contractions ❌ No ✔️ Yes Used before labor ✔️ Common ✔️ Sometimes Used during labor ❌ Rare ✔️ Standard Complexity Simpler More comprehensive Output graph FHR only FHR + contraction graph 📌 Additional Note