A contraction stress test is a way to test the health of an unborn baby. It checks the baby's heart rate when the mother has a uterine contraction. During this test, the baby's heart rate and the mother's contractions are recorded.
Most contractions decrease the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby for a short time.
By observing the baby's heart rate during a contraction, your health care provider can tell if the baby is able to handle the stress of the contractions that occur during labor. The biophysical profile score is low. Your health care provider knows or suspects that your baby or you have a high-risk condition. You lie on a bed on your left side. Your health care provider places a strap with a pressure gauge around your abdomen.