CTG uses sound waves called ultrasound to detect the baby’s heart rate . Ultrasound is a high-frequency sound that you cannot hear but it can be sent out (emitted) and detected by special machines. Ultrasound travels freely through fluid and soft tissues.
How long does a CTG scan take?
5.2 Duration and frequency of CTG monitoring
When using the FIGO score for the assessment of CTG readings, a reading of 30 minutes is necessary. The duration of the reading should be prolonged if the FHR pattern looks suspicious.
At which week CTG can be done?
Cardiotocography (CTG) can be applied from 28 week of pregnancy, but its most common use after the 32nd week.
What does a normal CTG look like?
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 .
Does CTG harm baby?
Damaging the baby with internal fetal monitoring technology
The Alfirevic review (2017) found a threefold increase in scalp trauma and or infection when CTG monitoring was used. A fetal death was reported as a consequence of injury from a fetal electrode to a prolapsed umbilical cord (de Leeuw et al., 2002).
How do you know if a contraction is CTG?
One transducer records the fetal heart rate using ultrasound and the other transducer monitors the contractions of the uterus by measuring the tension of the maternal abdominal wall (providing an indirect indication of intrauterine pressure). The CTG is then assessed by a midwife and the obstetric medical team.
When do you need a CTG?
Cardiotocography (CTG) measures your baby’s heart rate. At the same time it also monitors the contractions in the womb (uterus). CTG is used both before birth (antenatally) and during labour , to monitor the baby for any signs of distress.
How can I check my baby’s heartbeat at home?
It’s possible to hear the heartbeat at home using a stethoscope . Unfortunately, you can’t hear it as early as you can with an ultrasound or fetal Doppler. With a stethoscope, a baby’s heartbeat is often detectable between the 18th and 20th week. Stethoscopes are designed to amplify small sounds.
What is suspicious CTG?
8.3 Suspicious
If the CTG trace is categorised as suspicious: • Correct any underlying causes , such as hypotension or uterine hyperstimulation. • Perform a full set of maternal observations. • Start one or more conservative measures. • Inform an obstetrician or a senior midwife .
What does abnormal CTG mean?
An abnormal CTG has two or more features which are non-reassuring, or any abnormal features . Further information about classifying FHR traces: If repeated accelerations are present with reduced variability, the FHR trace should be regarded as reassuring.
Does non stress test measure contractions?
The nonstress test (NST) is a simple, noninvasive way of checking on your baby’s health . The test, sometimes called a cardiotocography, records your baby’s movement, heartbeat, and contractions.
What do contractions feel like?
Labor contractions cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen , along with pressure in the pelvis. Some women might also feel pain in their sides and thighs. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps, while others describe them as strong waves that feel like diarrhea cramps.
What number is high for contractions?
Contractions can be described by frequency, duration, strength (amplitude), uniformity, and shape. During normal labor, the amplitude of contractions increases from an average of 30 mm Hg in early labor to 50 mm Hg in later first stage and 50 to 80 mm Hg during the second stage.
Do you poop when you give birth?
Pooping during labor sounds gross and embarrassing, and no new mom wants it to happen. But poop happens, and here’s why: The muscles you use to push your baby out are the exact same ones you use to poop. So if you’re pushing right, you probably are going to let something slip. In fact, most women do poop during labor .
How accurate is CTG monitoring?
While specific abnormalities of the FHR pattern on CTG are proposed as being associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy (Nelson 1996), CTG specificity to predict cerebral palsy is low, with a reported false positive rate as high as 99.8% , even in the presence of multiple late decelerations or decreased ...
Do babies feel contractions?
Doctors now know that newly born babies probably feel pain. But exactly how much they feel during labor and delivery is still debatable . “If you performed a medical procedure on a baby shortly after birth, she would certainly feel pain,” says Christopher E.
