When you're looking at the screen, the fetal heart rate is usually on the top and the contractions at the bottom. When the machine prints out graph paper, you'll see the fetal heart rate to the left and the contractions to the right. Sometimes it's easier to read printouts by looking at them sideways.

What do the numbers mean on the NST machine?

If the BPP is used with a NST and the NST was "reactive," another two points is added. A high score of eight to 10 means your baby is in good condition inside the womb. A low score of zero to four usually means that your baby needs to be delivered. A score of six usually requires a repeat test within 24 hours.

What do contractions look like on a monitor?

The monitor records the duration of contractions and the time between them but doesn't tell you the strength of the contraction. Each contraction resembles a hill or a bell-shaped curve, starting low, rising slowly, and then returning to baseline.