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CTG stands for Cardiotocography. This is a medical test used to monitor the fetal heart rate
and contractions of the uterus during pregnancy. This test is non-invasive and it involves placing two
sensors on the mother's abdomen. One sensor records the fetal heart rate, while the other one
records the contractions of the uterus. The results are usually recorded on a graph, which can help
doctors to evaluate the health of the fetus, especially in pregnancies with a higher risk of problems
By monitoring the fetal heart rate, doctors can determine if the baby is receiving enough
oxygen and nutrients from the placenta. On the occasion that the baby's heart rate is too high or too
low, it may indicate that the baby is in distress and may require medical intervention. To execute
interventions before the fetus is injured, CTG recordings are used to detect when problems about the
fetal well-being arises. Identification of fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns linked to insufficient oxygen
supply to the fetus is the main goal. Similarly, monitoring uterine contractions can help determine
whether or not the mother is experiencing any complications during labor. Such complicartions may
include uterine hyperstimulation or it could also be insufficient contractions.
Overall, CTG is an important tool in ensuring the safety and well-being of both mother and
baby during pregnancy and childbirth. If you are pregnant, it is important to discuss with your
healthcare provider if CTG is necessary for your specific situation.
HOW TO READ A CTG
To interpret a CTG you need a structured method of assessing its various characteristics. The most
popular structure can be remembered using the acronym DR C BRAVADO:
The normal fetal heart rate varies with vagal and sympathetic tone adjustments and, therefore,
varies with gestational age due to maturation of the fetal nervous system. Accepted normal
parameters for the term fetus are reported as follows (Gribbin 2006; RCOG 2001).
OVERALL IMPRESSION
Overall impression is determined by how many of the CTG features were either reassuring, non-
reassuring or abnormal. The NICE guidelines below demonstrate how to decide which category a
CTG falls into.3
Reassuring
Non-reassuring
Abnormal
GROUP 14
CARDIOTOCOGRAPH (CTG)
Paypa, Jay
MECHANISM OF LABOR
Perez, Kitz A.
Pinat, Mariel