Confused about NST machine. What's the other number for? :s

[m0mmyCool]

I have weekly non-stress tests and I know one monitor isfor the baby's heartbeat. But whats the other one for? And what is it counting? I notice the numbers for it go up and down too.

 

[yourstruly10]

One thing they place on your tummy if for baby heart beat like you said and the other one monitors for any contractions. This is a picture of my read out when I was getting contractions a few weeks ago. the top is where the heart beat would be( they werent monitoring her heart beat at that time. and the bottom is the contractions. If your not having contractions it will just be an almost stragiht line and if you are it would look like mine. The numbers on the screen go up and down when your tummy gets tight( braxton hick or contraction) or when the baby moves and pushes against the monitor on your tummy. I am on the monitor daily and they usually set the contraction reading at 10 and sometimes it will fluctuate between 8-15 which they say is normal. When it gets up to 25 ish they feel my tummy to see if its a contraction or just the baby pushing out.

 

[NashiPear]

I have had NSTs earlier in the pregnancy due to complications. I got measures up to 30-40 and had fallen asleep and the m/w asked if I was in any pain (nope- napping and had no idea!). I asked my GP about it and she said that once they got to about 60/70ish I would definitely feel them. I seem to have a very active uterus this time and lots of false starts where I have started to measure my braxton hicks contractions as they are getting stronger and more frequent now. These last few weeks may be long.....