A nonstress test (NST) is commonly performed during pregnancy to assess uterine contractions, fetal movement, and fetal heart rate. The NST is noninvasive and there is no risk of harm to the mother or the fetus. The nurse places belts around the patient’s abdomen. The woman presses a button when she feels the baby move. Accelerations, moderate variability, and no significant decelerations are encouraging findings. The test takes about 20 minutes and is painless.