CTG Graph Interpretation in Pregnancy

CTG Graph Interpretation

Overview

• CTG (Cardiotocography) graph is a recording of fetal heart rate (FHR) and maternal uterine activity (UA) over time
• Interpreted to assess fetal well-being and detect potential complications during pregnancy and labor

Components of a CTG Graph

• Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) Tracing:
  • Baseline FHR (average rate over 10 minutes)
  • Variability (fluctuations in FHR)
  • Accelerations (short-term increases in FHR)
  • Decelerations (short-term decreases in FHR)
• Uterine Activity (UA) Tracing:
  • Contractions (frequency, duration, intensity)

Normal CTG Patterns

• Reactive FHR Pattern:
  • Baseline FHR: 110-160 bpm
  • Variability: 5-25 bpm
  • Accelerations: present
  • Decelerations: absent or minimal
• Uterine Activity:
  • Contractions: regular, moderate intensity

Abnormal CTG Patterns

• Non-Reactive FHR Pattern:
  • Baseline FHR: abnormal (e.g., tachycardia, bradycardia)
  • Variability: reduced (<5 bpm) or absent
  • Accelerations: absent
  • Decelerations: present or persistent
• Uterine Activity:
  • Contractions: hyperactive, prolonged, or resting tone

CTG Interpretation Categories

• Normal:
  • Reactive FHR pattern and normal UA
• Suspicious:
  • Non-reactive FHR pattern or abnormal UA
• Pathological:
  • Severe FHR abnormalities (e.g., prolonged decelerations, bradycardia) or abnormal UA (e.g., hyperstimulation)

Clinical Implications

• Normal CTG: reassuring of fetal well-being
• Abnormal CTG: may indicate fetal distress, hypoxia, or acidosis; requires further evaluation and potential intervention

CTG Graph Interpretation

Overview

• CTG graph records fetal heart rate (FHR) and maternal uterine activity (UA) over time to assess fetal well-being and detect potential complications during pregnancy and labor.

Components of a CTG Graph

Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) Tracing

• Baseline FHR: average rate over 10 minutes.
• Variability: fluctuations in FHR.
• Accelerations: short-term increases in FHR.
• Decelerations: short-term decreases in FHR.

Uterine Activity (UA) Tracing

• Contractions: frequency, duration, and intensity.

Normal CTG Patterns

Reactive FHR Pattern

• Baseline FHR: 110-160 bpm.
• Variability: 5-25 bpm.
• Accelerations: present.
• Decelerations: absent or minimal.

Uterine Activity

• Contractions: regular, moderate intensity.

Abnormal CTG Patterns

Non-Reactive FHR Pattern

• Baseline FHR: abnormal (e.g., tachycardia, bradycardia).
• Variability: reduced.
• Accelerations: absent or minimal.
• Decelerations: prolonged or repetitive.