Cardiotocography (CTG) is a technical means of recording the fetal heartbeat and the uterine contractions during pregnancy. The machine used to perform the monitoring is called a cardiotocograph, more commonly known as an electronic fetal monitor (EFM). CTG monitoring is widely used to assess fetal wellbeing.
why do a CTG test during pregnancy?
Cardiotocography (CTG) is used during pregnancy to monitor the fetal heart and contractions of the uterus. Its purpose is to monitor fetal well-being and allow early detection of fetal distress. An abnormal CTG indicates the need for more invasive investigations and potentially emergency caesarian section.
does CTG harm baby?
Technology known as CTG – cardiotocogram tracing – checks an unborn baby’s heart rate for signs of fetal distress. This is caused if the oxygen supply to a baby in the womb is reduced or blocked off. If this happens it can lead to rapid brain damage and death.
how is CTG done?
CTG is most commonly carried out externally. This means that the equipment used to monitor the baby’s heart is placed on the tummy (abdomen) of the mother. An elastic belt is placed around the mother’s abdomen. The baby’s heart rate can be heard as a beating or pulsing sound which the machine produces.
How long does a CTG take?
5.2 Duration and frequency of CTG monitoring The maximum time for an Oxford CTG is 60 minutes. Monitoring frequency depends on the individual clinical risk confirmed by cardiotocography.
What is normal fetal heart rate?
A normal fetal heart rate (FHR) usually ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute (bpm) in the in utero period. It is measurable sonographically from around 6 weeks and the normal range varies during gestation, increasing to around 170 bpm at 10 weeks and decreasing from then to around 130 bpm at term. You may also read,
What heartbeat is a boy or girl?
There are lots of old wives’ tales surrounding pregnancy. You may have heard that your baby’s heart rate can predict their sex as early as the first trimester. If it’s over 140 bpm, you’re having a baby girl. Below 140 bpm, you’re carrying a boy. Check the answer of
What is a normal CTG trace?
Normal antenatal CTG trace: The normal antenatal CTG is associated with a low probability of fetal compromise and has the following features: Baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) is between 110-160 bpm • Variability of FHR is between 5-25 bpm • Decelerations are absent or early • Accelerations x2 within 20 minutes.
What number is a strong contraction?
When the cervix dilates from 4 to 8 centimeters (called the Active Phase), contractions get stronger and are about 3 minutes apart, lasting about 45 seconds. Read:
What does a CTG show?
Cardiotocography (CTG) is a technical means of recording the fetal heartbeat and the uterine contractions during pregnancy. The machine used to perform the monitoring is called a cardiotocograph, more commonly known as an electronic fetal monitor (EFM).
What is fetal distress?
Fetal distress is an emergency pregnancy, labor, and delivery complication in which a baby experiences oxygen deprivation (birth asphyxia). This may include changes in the baby’s heart rate (as seen on a fetal heart rate monitor), decreased fetal movement, and meconium in the amniotic fluid, among other signs.
At what gestation can you do a CTG?
1. Antenatal CTG is commonly used in conjunction with ultrasound assessment of fetal and placental Doppler in high risk pregnancy. 2. Antenatal CTG from 24+0 weeks gestation should be commenced if: • Risk factors develop throughout the pregnancy.
What causes sinusoidal fetal heart rate?
FETAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH SHR PATTERN: SHR pattern has been reported with the following fetal conditions: (1) severe fetal anemia of several etiologies; (2) effects of drugs, particularly narcotics; (3) fetal asphyxia/hypoxia; (4) fetal infection; (5) fetal cardiac anomalies; (6) fetal sleep cycles; and (7)
What is the normal heart rate of fetus?
120 to 160
How do you count contractions?
When timing contractions, start counting from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. The easiest way to time contractions is to write down on paper the time each contraction starts and its duration, or count the seconds the actual contraction lasts, as shown in the example below.
