Our clinic provides ongoing monitoring of a baby’s heart rate during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, doctors will listen to the heartbeat of your baby and count the number of beats per minute. The pattern of a baby's heartbeat often reflects the baby's condition.
If more information is needed about your baby’s heart rate, you may be referred to the Fetal Monitoring Services for a non-stress test (NST). This test provides an ongoing tracing of your baby’s heart rate and may also show the contractions you could be experiencing.
We will update your doctor or midwife with the results of the NST. Further appointments may be booked depending on the reason for your referral and the individual results.
Patients need a referral from a doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner and must be pre-registered for delivery at BC Women's Hospital.
Please bring your BC Care Card and photo ID to your appointment.
We are a scent-free clinic. Please do not use scented products such as cologne/perfume, lotions or hair products when you come to the clinic, to protect patients and staff who are sensitive to these.
Appointments usually take 45 minutes. Your test may be shorter or longer, depending on your baby's activity at the time of the test.
If you have other appointments at the hospital, we will do our best to coordinate your visits.
No special preparation is required, and you may eat and drink as per your normal routine. You may want to have a drink or snack with you. You will also be more comfortable if you empty your bladder before the test.
BC Women’s Hospital is a provincial teaching centre, so there may be fellows and residents participating in your care.
Fetal Monitoring Service
Maternity Ambulatory Program
Entrance 93, BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre
4500 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H 3N1
Phone: 604-875-3100
Fax: 604-602-8656
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
