CTG during pregnancy

CTG or cardiotocography is prescribed in the last stages of pregnancy in order to give a complete picture of the development of the fetus and identify the pathology of the heart. Therefore, you should not skip the examination. In the article we will talk about the norms of CTG and how to prepare for the study.

What does CTG show during pregnancy

In the 30th week a gynecologist prescribes a study called CTG. You should not be afraid of it, as it does not harm the baby and the expectant mother. This examination shows the development of the baby, or rather his heart, and how he reacts on uterine contractions.

Based on the results, the doctor determines whether the baby is comfortable in the womb and does not suffer from any diseases. If violations were noticed, then a re-examination is prescribed no less than 10 days later.

If for the second time the indicators did not give better results, then the expectant mother is sent to the hospital, but so far only to the pathology department. The obstetrician-gynecologist is obliged to appoint another CTG to verify the results. If the fears are confirmed, then the delivery is performed surgically.

Yes, the moment is very exciting and the expectant mother is worried about her baby, but in case of any violation, it is better to carry out the operation in a timely manner. Modern medicine will give the baby every opportunity to live. Especially by the 7th month the child is formed and there is every chance of being healthy and strong in the future.

CTG rate during pregnancy

We will not describe the abstruse terms, since they are empty words for you. The final result is important for expectant mothers, according to which they can assess the condition of the child:

• 9-12 points means that everything is fine with the child and there is no reason for concern;
• 6-8 points indicates that there is a slight oxygen deprivation and re-examination is required;
• 0-5 points is a serious reason for emergency childbirth, as the child suffers in the womb and is in serious danger.

Also, attention should be paid to other indicators:

• heart rate or heart rate should be 110-160 in a calm state and 130-190 in an active state;
• number of heart rate acceleration peaks - more than 2 pcs. in 30 minutes;
• the deceleration of the rhythm should occur quickly, ideally, the depth of the heart peaks should not exceed 15 beats / min;
• indicator, not to be confused with points, fetal condition - 1.

Do not worry if some of the indicators are slightly higher or lower than normal. You may have eaten the wrong food or are worried. Everything can affect the results. If the doctor looked at the tests and CTG results, but doubts remained, then a second study is carried out after 10 days.

How CTG is done

If the pregnancy is proceeding normally and without complications, then in the third trimester, the study is carried out only 2 times. In case of any violations, the examination is prescribed 3-5 times. If the indicators do not change or deteriorate, then a decision can be made for the operation. Therefore, before performing CTG, you should not panic or worry. The procedure is painless.

The doctor will ask you to sit back on the couch. The pose should be taken half-sitting or on the left side. If you lie on your right side, you can pinch the genital vein and then the child will behave restlessly. Then the doctor will listen to where the sounds of the heart are more clearly heard and connect a sensor to take readings. If the device is not modern, then they will give a button that must be pressed when the baby moves. The procedure takes 30-40 minutes. In modern centers, the study is carried out in 15-20 minutes.

Also, the expectant mother needs to prepare for the procedure:

• eat 2-3 hours before the study;
• eliminate any excitement;
• do not eat sweet, as it can rise blood sugar levels.

In fact, there is no serious preparation as such. You are not afraid to do an ultrasound, are you? So with CTG - fear should be absent.