Which of the following is a contraindication for a contraction stress test?

• A. Multigestation
• B. Prior normal uterine surgery
• C. Maternal age over 35
• D. History of mild preeclampsia

Answer: (A)

A contraction stress test (CST) is used to assess fetal well-being by monitoring the fetal heart rate in response to uterine contractions. There are specific contraindications for this procedure, and multigestation, or carrying multiple fetuses, is one of them.

In multigestation pregnancies, there is an increased risk of complications such as preterm labor, and the dynamics of contractions can differ significantly compared to singleton pregnancies. Performing a CST in a multigestational pregnancy may lead to increased stress on the fetuses and a higher risk of adverse outcomes. This makes it essential to avoid the test in these situations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetuses.

While other factors such as prior normal uterine surgery, advanced maternal age, and a history of mild preeclampsia can certainly influence pregnancy management, they do not constitute absolute contraindications for the CST in the same way that multigestation does.