What does "OCT" refer to in the context of pregnancy?
Pregnant women's OCT, also known as oxytocin challenge test, is conducted through intravenous drip or nipple stimulation to induce uterine contractions. By doing so, we can understand the fetus's condition. The OCT test for pregnant women requires strict compliance with relevant operations, including knowledge of contraindications and precautions. The test must be conducted under the supervision of a designated person.
1. What is Pregnant Women's OCT Test?
Pregnant women's OCT is an oxytocin challenge test, also known as uterine contraction stress test. It involves inducing uterine contractions through intravenous oxytocin drip or nipple stimulation. The contractions are induced to occur three times every ten minutes, lasting for 40 seconds. By observing the fetal heart rate changes during the contractions over 20 minutes, we can understand the transient hypoxia load change of the placenta and measure the fetus's reserve capacity. This test is suitable for pregnant women after 37 weeks of gestation with repeated unsatisfactory fetal heart rate monitoring, pregnant women at 41 weeks of gestation planning for delivery, or those suspected of intrauterine fetal hypoxia.
The OCT test should be performed in a hospital under the supervision of a designated person, with strict adherence to the contraindications and precautions. If the OCT test result is positive, it may indicate fetal distress, and vaginal delivery may not be suitable. For a negative OCT test, there is generally no risk of fetal death within one week.
2. How Much Does the Pregnant Women's OCT Test Cost?
The cost of the pregnant women's OCT test is generally over 100 yuan per time. This test can assess the function of the placenta. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the doctor's instructions for the test and observe the local manifestations. Then, the expected delivery date can be calculated accordingly.
