Risks

A nonstress test is a noninvasive test that poses no physical risks for you or your baby. The term "nonstress" refers to the fact that nothing is done to place stress on the baby during the test.

While a nonstress test can offer reassurance about your baby's health, it can cause anxiety, too. A nonstress test might suggest that a problem exists when there is none, which can lead to further testing. Reassuring results also aren't predictive of the future.

Also, keep in mind that while a nonstress test is often recommended when there's an increased risk of pregnancy loss, it's not always clear if the test is helpful.