CTG Basics

Summary

This video provides an informative overview of cardiotocography (CTG), a tool used in pregnancy to monitor fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. The presenter explains the purpose of CTG, how it is performed using two transducers, and the interpretation of its results through a structured approach using the 'DR C BRAVADO' mnemonic. Key topics include assessing pregnancy risk, contractions, baseline fetal heart rate, variability, accelerations, and an introduction to decelerations. The video is a helpful guide for understanding CTG basics, especially for medical professionals and expectant parents.

Takeaways

• 📋 CTG stands for cardiotocography, which monitors fetal heart rate and uterine contractions during pregnancy.
• 🤰 CTG is commonly used in the third trimester to detect fetal distress.
• 💜 Two transducers are placed on the abdomen: one for fetal heart rate (purple) and another for uterine contractions (pink).
• 👶 The mother uses a pressing button to indicate fetal movements, and these are recorded on the CTG monitor.
• 📉 The CTG monitor displays fetal heart rate, uterine contractions, and sometimes maternal parameters like blood pressure.
• 📊 The top trace on the CTG graph represents the fetal heart rate, and the lower trace shows the uterine contractions.
• ⏱️ Each small box on the CTG graph represents one minute, with 10-minute blocks shown by 10 small boxes.
• 🧠 A mnemonic, DR C BRAVADO, is used for interpreting CTGs: Define risk, Contractions, Baseline rate, Variability, Accelerations, Decelerations, Overall impression.
• 🩺 The baseline heart rate for a healthy fetus is 110-160 beats per minute; abnormalities like tachycardia (above 160) can indicate fetal distress.
• 🔼 Accelerations in the fetal heart rate are a good sign, while reduced variability may suggest fetal hypoxia or other issues.

Q & A

What does CTG stand for, and how is it different from an ECG?

CTG stands for cardiotocography. Unlike an ECG, which measures electrical activity of the heart, CTG monitors the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions during pregnancy.

In which trimester is CTG most commonly used, and what does it detect?

CTG is most commonly used in the third trimester and is used to detect fetal distress by monitoring the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.

How are the transducers used in CTG placed, and what do they measure?

The purple transducer is placed on the anterior shoulder of the fetus to record the fetal heart rate, while the pink transducer measures uterine contractions by monitoring tension in the maternal abdominal wall.

What role does the mother play during a CTG procedure?

The mother holds a pressing button to indicate when she feels fetal movements, which helps provide additional data for the CTG monitor.

What information is displayed on the CTG monitor, and how is the data structured?

The CTG monitor displays the fetal heart rate and the tocometry measurement (for uterine contractions). The graph is divided into two traces: the top trace shows the fetal heart rate, while the bottom trace shows the uterine contractions.

What does the term 'baseline rate' refer to in CTG, and what is the normal range?

The baseline rate refers to the average fetal heart rate, which normally ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute.

What is beat-to-beat variability in a CTG, and why is it important?

Beat-to-beat variability is the variation in the fetal heart rate from one beat to the next. It indicates an intact fetal neurological system and is a good indicator of fetal health.

What are accelerations in a CTG, and what do they indicate?

Accelerations are defined as an abrupt increase in fetal heart rate by more than 15 beats per minute for more than 15 seconds. They indicate a healthy fetus.

What does the term 'contractions' refer to in CTG, and how are they measured?

Contractions refer to the frequency and duration of uterine contractions. In a CTG, contractions appear as peaks on the tocometry trace, and their frequency is typically measured over a 10-minute period.

What is the DR C BRAVADO mnemonic used for in CTG interpretation?

The DR C BRAVADO mnemonic helps structure the interpretation of a CTG. It stands for Define risk, Contractions, Baseline rate, Variability, Accelerations, Decelerations, and Overall impression.