Cardiotocography (CTG)

Abstract

Cardiotocography (CTG) monitors fetal well-being, by continuously recording the fetal heart rate (FHR) as well as maternal uterine contractions. The FHR is recorded by using either an ultrasound transducer or a fetal scalp electrode whereas uterine contractions are measured by a pressure transducer placed on the mother’s abdomen. It is imperative that obstetric anesthetists have a good grasp on the fundamentals of CTG. This will enable better communication with their obstetric colleagues, who often base the decisions for urgent delivery of the fetus on CTG changes.