The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #50771 Message #771838
Posted By: katlaughing
26-Aug-02 - 02:37 PM
Thread Name: Grandson Blues
Subject: RE: Grandson Blues
Giok, thanks for keeping us posted. I did a little research and found the following info. I hope it helps to soothe the First Grandchild jitters.:-)
In looking through various sites, I found that five days after the due date is not at all that unusual and also that due dates are often a bit off. I also found stats that said 95% of babies born "postdate" are fine and healthy. And, here's some info on the type of tests they are probably doing, just a wellbeing check, really:
For both the nonstress test and the contraction stress test, two belts are placed around the mother's abdomen to hold instruments that measure fetal heart rate. During the nonstress test, the mother pushes a button each time she feels the baby move, which causes a mark to be made on a paper recording. The fetus's heart rate is expected to rise when it moves.
The contraction stress test measures the fetal heart rate when the mother's uterus contracts. The contractions are induced, and changes in the fetus's heart rate are noted.