WHY CTG IS DONE

CTG, or cardiotocography, is a prenatal test that measures the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. It is typically performed during the third trimester of pregnancy to monitor the well-being of the fetus.

Reasons for a CTG

There are several reasons why a doctor may order a CTG. These include:

• To assess fetal well-being:
  CTG can help to identify fetuses that are at risk for distress or other complications.
• To monitor the effectiveness of labor:
  CTG can help to determine if labor is progressing normally and if the baby is tolerating the contractions.
• To diagnose certain fetal conditions:
  CTG can help to diagnose conditions such as fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and fetal heart rate abnormalities.

How a CTG is Performed

A CTG is a non-invasive test that is performed by attaching two transducers to the mother’s abdomen. One transducer measures the fetal heart rate, while the other measures the uterine contractions. The transducers are connected to a monitor that displays the fetal heart rate and uterine contraction patterns.

A CTG is typically performed for 30-60 minutes. During this time, the mother may be asked to lie still or to walk around. The doctor will interpret the CTG results and determine if any further testing or interventions are needed.

Interpretation of CTG Results

The CTG results are interpreted by a doctor or midwife. The doctor will look for the following:

• Fetal heart rate:
  The normal fetal heart rate is 110-160 beats per minute. A heart rate that is too high or too low may indicate a problem.
• Uterine contractions:
  The normal pattern of uterine contractions is irregular and mild. Contractions that are too strong or too frequent may indicate that labor is progressing too quickly.

Risks of CTG

CTG is a safe procedure with no known risks to the mother or the baby.

Conclusion

CTG is a valuable tool for monitoring the well-being of the fetus during pregnancy and labor. It can help to identify fetuses that are at risk for distress or other complications and can help to ensure that labor is progressing normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is a CTG usually done?
CTG is typically performed during the third trimester of pregnancy, usually after 32 weeks.

2. How long does a CTG usually take?
A CTG typically takes 30-60 minutes.

3. What does a CTG monitor?
A CTG monitor measures the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.

4. What are the risks of a CTG?
There are no known risks to the mother or the baby from a CTG.

5. What can a CTG tell you about the health of the fetus?
A CTG can help to identify fetuses that are at risk for distress or other complications. It can also help to ensure that labor is progressing normally.