cardiotocography

Cardiotocography, often abbreviated as CTG, is a non-invasive method used to monitor the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions during pregnancy and labor. It involves the use of an external transducer placed on the mother's abdomen to record the fetal heart rate. Another transducer measures the frequency and duration of uterine contractions. These readings are then displayed on a monitor, often in real-time, and can be printed on a paper strip.

The primary purpose of cardiotocography is to assess the well-being of the fetus. A normal fetal heart rate pattern typically falls within a specific range and exhibits variations. Any significant deviations, such as persistent bradycardia (slow heart rate) or tachycardia (fast heart rate), or a lack of variability, can be indicators of fetal distress. Similarly, the pattern and strength of uterine contractions are monitored to assess the progress of labor and the ability of the uterus to effectively deliver the baby.

CTG is commonly used in high-risk pregnancies, during labor to monitor fetal response to contractions and maternal pushing, and in some cases, for antenatal testing. While it is a valuable tool, CTG interpretation requires expertise, and it is often used in conjunction with other clinical information and assessments. False positives and false negatives can occur, meaning the test may indicate a problem when there isn't one, or vice versa. Therefore, clinical judgment remains paramount in its application.