Fetal ctg examination – what is it and when is it performed?

Fetal CTG (cardiotocography) is an important diagnostic tool that allows you to monitor the health of the baby in the mother’s womb.This is a procedure that aims to assess the fetal heart function and its response to external stimuli.In the following article, we will take a closer look at this study, its applications and the interpretation of the results.

What is ctg?

Cardiotocography, or CTG, is a test that allows for simultaneous recording of the fetal heart activity (cardio) and its motor activity (tocography).It is a safe and non-invasive procedure that is performed during pregnancy, usually from the second trimester.CTG examination provides information about the fetal heart rate and its response to stimuli such as movements, uterine contractions or mother’s abdominal contractions.

What does a ctg examination look like?

The CTG examination is performed in a doctor’s office or hospital.The patient is placed on the bed in a supine position and two sensors are placed on her abdomen.One of the sensors monitors the fetal heart rate and the other records motor activity.The whole thing is connected to a camera that generates graphs and saves data.

Stress and non-stress ctg

CTG examination can be performed in two different modes: stressful and non-stressful.Stress CTG involves monitoring the fetus in response to stressful stimuli, such as uterine contractions caused by labor contractions.Non-stress CTG, on the other hand, involves monitoring the fetus at rest, without external stimulation.Both modes allow doctors to assess the fetus’s responses and overall health.

Ctg – indications for the examination.when should fetal ctg be performed?

Fetal CTG examination may be recommended in various situations.Most often, they are performed in the third trimester of pregnancy, but also earlier if there are specific indications.Common situations in which a doctor may recommend CTG include:

• Fetal monitoring in case of multiple pregnancy.
• Fetal observation in patients with gestational diabetes.
• Examination of the fetal condition in case of suspicion of abnormal growth of the child.
• Fetal monitoring after previous pregnancy complications.

How to interpret fetal ctg results?what can be read from ctg?

Interpretation of CTG results is the task of a specialist.Based on the charts and recorded data, the doctor can assess whether the fetus is in good condition.There are several key factors that are taken into account when interpreting the results:

• Fetal heart rate – the normal heart rate range is 120 to 160 beats per minute.
• Fetal motor activity – the doctor analyzes the fetus’s reactions to stimuli.
• Uterine contractions – possible uterine contractions may affect the CTG results.

Based on these parameters, the doctor decides on further action, such as further observation, hospitalization or remedial action.

Your suggestions

If you are waiting for a fetal CTG examination, it is worth asking your doctor about any doubts and concerns.Remember that regular visits to a specialist and following medical recommendations are crucial for the health of both mother and child.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about pregnancy, fetal monitoring and other aspects of mother and baby health, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Multiple pregnancy – how it happens and how it differs from single pregnancy”
• “Gestational diabetes – what are the symptoms and how to care for it”
• “A healthy diet during pregnancy – what products are recommended and which ones to avoid”

Take care of your health and the health of your child by using available sources of knowledge and regular medical consultations.