Cardiotocography

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Cardiotocography

Cardiotocography (pronounced: /ˌkɑːrdioʊˌtoʊkəˈɡræfi/), often abbreviated as CTG, is a technical means of recording the fetal heartbeat and the uterine contractions during pregnancy. The machine used to perform the monitoring is called a Cardiotocograph. The resulting chart is a Cardiotocogram.

Etymology

The term "Cardiotocography" is derived from three Greek words: kardia - heart, tocos - childbirth, graphein - to write.

Procedure

The procedure is typically performed in the third trimester of pregnancy. The fetal heart rate (FHR) is monitored by an ultrasound transducer, which is placed on the mother's abdomen. The uterine contractions are measured by a tocodynamometer, which is also placed on the mother's abdomen. The data is then recorded on a graph paper or a computer for interpretation.

Interpretation

The interpretation of the cardiotocogram is crucial in assessing the well-being of the fetus. The FHR and the frequency and duration of the uterine contractions are analyzed. The presence of decelerations in the FHR, especially after a contraction, may indicate fetal distress.

Related Terms

  • Fetal Distress: A term used to describe a state of decreased oxygen supply to the fetus during pregnancy or labor.
  • Tocodynamometer: A device used to measure the frequency and duration of uterine contractions.
  • Ultrasound Transducer: A device that emits and receives ultrasound waves, used to monitor the fetal heart rate.

See Also

External links

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