CTG in labour, short for Cardiotocography, is a method used to continuously monitor a baby's heart rate and a mother's contractions during labour. It helps healthcare professionals identify potential signs of fetal distress.
Here's a breakdown:
- Cardio: Refers to the baby's heart. CTG monitors the fetal heart rate (FHR).
- Toco: Refers to the mother's uterus. CTG monitors the frequency and duration of uterine contractions.
- Graphy: Refers to the recording or tracing produced by the monitoring.
How CTG Works:
CTG involves placing two transducers (sensors) on the mother's abdomen:
-
One transducer monitors the baby's heart rate. It uses ultrasound technology to detect the fetal heartbeat.
-
The other transducer measures the uterine contractions. It detects the tightening of the abdominal muscles during contractions.
The information from these transducers is then displayed on a monitor as a continuous graph, allowing healthcare providers to assess the baby's well-being and the progress of labour.
Why is CTG Used in Labour?
CTG is used for several reasons:
- To assess fetal well-being: It helps detect signs of fetal distress, such as a consistently high or low heart rate, or a lack of variability in the heart rate.
- To monitor contractions: It helps determine the strength, frequency, and duration of contractions, which are important for assessing the progress of labour.
- To guide interventions: If signs of fetal distress are detected, CTG information can help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about interventions, such as assisted delivery (e.g., forceps or vacuum) or a Cesarean section.
In summary, CTG is a valuable tool used during labour to continuously monitor the baby's heart rate and the mother's contractions, helping to ensure a safe delivery for both mother and child.
