Pregnancy is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes, concern for the health and well-being of both mother and baby. Modern obstetrics offers advanced tools to monitor fetal health, and Cardiotocography (CTG) is one of the most important among them.
As a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Kharadi, Pune, Dr. Shipra Kunwar emphasizes the role of CTG in ensuring a safe pregnancy and timely intervention if needed.
Cardiotocography (CTG) is a non-invasive test used to monitor the fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contractions. It provides valuable information about the baby's well-being and helps assess if the fetus is receiving enough oxygen.
The test is usually performed in the third trimester of pregnancy or during labor to monitor fetal distress and guide decisions regarding delivery.
CTG helps doctors:
Monitor fetal heart rate patterns.
Detect early signs of fetal distress or oxygen deprivation.
Assess uterine contractions and their impact on the baby.
Make informed decisions during labor regarding interventions like induction or cesarean delivery.
In high-risk pregnancies, CTG plays a vital role in continuous fetal monitoring to ensure timely and safe outcomes.
Dr. Shipra Kunwar may advise a CTG in the following situations:
High-risk pregnancies (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia).
Decreased fetal movements.
Post-term pregnancy (beyond 40 weeks).
During labor to monitor fetal response.
Suspected intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Multiple pregnancies (twins or more).
Previous history of complicated deliveries.
CTG is a simple, painless, and safe procedure. Here’s what to expect during the test:
You will be asked to lie down comfortably.
Two sensors are placed on your abdomen:
Ultrasound transducer to monitor the baby's heart rate.
Tocodynamometer to measure uterine contractions.
These sensors are connected to a CTG machine that records the data.
The test typically lasts 20 to 40 minutes, but may be extended if needed.
The resulting graph (called a cardiotocogram) shows the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions over time.
A normal CTG tracing indicates that the baby is well-oxygenated and not in distress. Doctors analyze several key features:
Baseline fetal heart rate (Normal: 110-160 bpm).
Variability (normal fluctuations in heart rate).
Accelerations (temporary increases in heart rate).
Decelerations (drops in heart rate).
Abnormal patterns may indicate:
Fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen).
Umbilical cord issues.
Effects of uterine contractions on fetal heart rate.
Based on the CTG results, Dr. Shipra Kunwar will decide whether to continue observation, repeat the test, or proceed with medical interventions.
Yes, CTG is a completely safe and non-invasive test. It poses no risk to the mother or baby. It involves no radiation or harmful procedures, making it suitable for repeated use whenever needed.
While CTG is an excellent tool for monitoring fetal well-being, it does have some limitations:
False positives can occur, leading to unnecessary interventions.
It should always be interpreted along with clinical findings and other investigations.
Dr. Shipra Kunwar ensures that CTG findings are correlated with the overall clinical picture before making any critical decisions.
Cardiotocography is a crucial tool in modern obstetrics that helps monitor the baby's health, especially in high-risk pregnancies and during labor. Early detection of fetal distress through CTG allows timely medical interventions, ensuring the safety of both mother and child.
If you’re pregnant and want to know more about fetal monitoring or have concerns about your baby’s movements, consult Dr. Shipra Kunwar, a trusted Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Kharadi, Pune, for expert guidance and compassionate care.
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