Impact of face mask use during the non-stress test in pregnancy

Introduction and aim. Face masks used to protect against the COVID 19 pandemic have become a daily routine. The aim of this study was to examine the possible effects of mask use on non-stress test (NST) results during pregnancy. Material and methods. A total of 951 pregnant women were included in the study. They were divided into two groups as those who wear masks and those who do not. These pregnant women were also divided into subgroups as preterm and term periods. Results. The mean age of the pregnant women was 31.2±4.9 and their gestational weeks were between 34+0 and 40+6. There was no significant difference between 34 and 37 gestational weeks pregnants in terms of FHR, reactivity, non-reactivity, deceleration, FHR category distribution and number of fetal movements (p>0.05). The variability was significantly higher in those who did not wear a mask (p<0.05). In pregnancies >37 gestational weeks there was no significant difference in terms of FHR, reactivity, non-reactivity, variability, deceleration and FHR category distribution (p>0.05). The number of fetal movements was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the mask-wearing group. Conclusion. Mask use should be considered in NSTs where variability is reduced or fetal movements are low. Thus, misinterpretation of the NST can be avoided.