The contraction stress test.

The CST is one of the first forms of fetal surveillance; it is still the only form that tries to use the principle of induced stress to reveal marginal placental insufficiency. With the expansion of biophysical evaluation, there are many choices in antenatal testing. Clearly the CST should not be the only form of testing to follow high-risk pregnancies. However, its proved efficacy and close correlation with intrapartum monitoring make it an essential tool. With nipple stimulation techniques, it is an easy and quick method for evaluating the fetus. Clinicians who follow high-risk pregnancies need to understand fully the administration and proper interpretation of the CST.