Cardiotocography (CTG) of the fetus is a simple and safe method for assessing the condition and palpitation of the fetus. On average, it is advisable to carry out, starting with the 26th week of pregnancy. Earlier terms are not indicative, since it is difficult to obtain a qualitative curve and, even more so, to interpret it to obtain answers to the questions of interest.
When is CTG shown?
Cardiotocography is a method for monitoring the fetal condition. And if earlier only a stethoscope was used to evaluate his heartbeat, today a more reliable method of estimating the fetal heart rate with the help of a device for cardiotocography was invented. KGT is administered to all pregnant women at least once in the third trimester. Ideally, it should be done 2 times for more complete information about the work of a small heart.
More often the survey is conducted in a number of cases, such as:
- multiple pregnancies;
- Rhesus-conflict;
- premature birth, abortion, miscarriage;
- severe toxicosis;
- a feeling of reduced fetal activity (when a woman feels a decrease in the number and intensity of tremors in the baby);
- water scarcity;
- pregnancy overstretch;
- delay or malformations of the fetus;
- early aging of the placenta;
- disturbance of blood circulation, revealed by ultrasound-doppler.
Types of cardiotocography
There are two types of CTG - direct and indirect. Indirect is used during pregnancy and childbirth, when the fetal bladder is still intact. In this case, the sensors are attached to certain points - points of the best signal arrival. This is the region of the womb and the area where the fetal heartbeat is steadily listened.
With direct CTG, the heart rate is measured with a spiral needle electrode, which is administered vaginally into the uterine cavity.
Cardiotocography (FGT) - transcript
How to read the cardiotocography (CTG) of the fetus reliably knows the doctor, so trust this case to him. You just need to know what indicators are taken into account during the survey. Among them - the average frequency of the basal (heart) rhythm (normally 120-160 beats per minute), myocardial reflex, heart rate variability, periodic changes in heart rate.
And when deciphering the fetal cardiotokorafii all these indicators are taken into account - this is necessary for the objective evaluation of the results. You also need to listen carefully to the doctor and follow his advice if any abnormalities are revealed.