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Cardiotocography (CTG) in pregnancy
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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One of the important examinations that the expectant mother faces during pregnancy is CTG.
The obstetrician-gynecologist, the ultrasound diagnostics doctor of the highest category, Yavorsky Yury Tsezarevich, the doctor with the work experience of 32 years, answered the main questions connected with carrying out this diagnosis, which usually occur in pregnant women.
CTG (Cardiotocography) is an uninterrupted synchronous recording of the heart rate of the fetus and the tone of the uterus. Cardiac contractions are recorded using an ultrasound transducer, the tone of the uterus is recorded by a pressure sensor.
This method of diagnosis is used in assessing the condition in which the fetus is located during pregnancy, as well as during labor.
Is it obligatory to do CTG in pregnancy?
If the doctor recommends cardiotocography, of course, it is better to follow his advice. Thus, in the presence of any pathology, it can be identified at an early stage and on time to begin treatment.
When do CTG in pregnancy?
Screening CTG is recommended after 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Cardiotocography on terms from 32 to 40 weeks practically does not differ in its indicators. During childbirth, this diagnosis furthermore shows the strength of the bouts and helps to diagnose the weakness of labor, excessive generic activity. At terms from 32-38 weeks, cardiotocography can be used to diagnose premature births.
What does CTG show during pregnancy?
Cardiotocography helps:
- assess the condition of the fetus;
- identify signs of fetal distress;
- determine the tone of the uterus and the presence of contractions;
- when carrying out the tests it is possible to determine the compensatory possibilities of the blood flow.
Indications of CTG in pregnancy
The main purpose of cardiotocography is the diagnosis of intrauterine fetal distress.
At birth, cardiotocography is performed in the following cases:
- when the future mother has common diseases;
- when anesthesia of labor is performed;
- if childbirth is induced;
- if fetal abnormalities were detected in utero.
How to prepare for CTG in pregnancy?
Special preparation for this study is not required.
Before the examination of CTG, you must first calm down and relax. If you came to cardiotocography in the hospital, you can sit in front of the KTG office for a little while, so that your pulse will return to normal. CTG is usually performed by obstetrician-gynecologists or by doctors of functional diagnostics.
How long does CTG take during pregnancy?
The duration of the study is no less than 30 minutes.
How is CTG performed during pregnancy?
Informative examinations are prescribed after 32 weeks of pregnancy. KGT is carried out in that position of the body of a pregnant woman, in which both the woman and the fetus feel comfortable. The rhythm of the heartbeat is normally from 110 to 160 beats per minute at rest, 130-180 beats per minute during fetal movements. Normally, the frequency varies from 5 to 25 cuts per minute, slowing the frequency (deceleration) should not normally be. Sometimes only very short and shallow. If they are registered, the fetus suffers and requires in-patient follow-up and treatment
Is CTG harmful during pregnancy?
The method of investigation is safe, since the power of the ultrasonic sensor is weak, and the pressure sensor does not reproduce any radiations at all.
Harm of CTG in pregnancy
Cardiotocography does not have any damaging effect, either on the mother's body or on the health of the baby's future.
Deciphering CTG in pregnancy
Deciphering CTG is performed by doctors of functional diagnostics and gynecologists-obstetricians.
Cardiotocography is deciphered by a 10-point system.
- 9-12 points - the fetus is normal.
- 6-8 points - fetal distress, repeated examination is required.
- 5 or less points - pronounced distress. Urgent delivery is necessary.
[Poor CTG in pregnancy
There are no bad CTGs. There is informative and uninformative KTG. In case of non-informative cardiotocography, a second examination is necessary. If there are deviations, you need to see a doctor who will assess the situation.
How much does CTG cost during pregnancy?
In private clinics, the cost of cardiotocography depends on the level of the institution, the quality of the equipment and many other factors. The run-up of prices, for example, ranges from UAH 100 to 300, sometimes even higher. In the budgetary institutions of the country, CTG is free of charge.