The Vital Role of Cardiotocography (CTG) Machines in Monitoring Fetal Health During Pregnancy and Labor
Understanding Cardiotocography (CTG) Machines Cardiotocography (CTG) is an essential tool in obstetric care, primarily used to monitor fetal well-being during pregnancy and labor. By providing continuous electronic records of the baby's heart rate and uterine contractions, CTG machines play a critical role in identifying potential fetal distress and guiding clinical decisions. What is Cardiotocography? CTG combines two monitoring techniques: cardio for the fetal heartbeat and toco for uterine contractions. This dual monitoring is crucial in assessing how well the fetus is coping with the stresses of labor or any complications that may arise during pregnancy. The CTG machine uses ultrasound technology to detect the fetal heart rate through an external transducer placed on the mother's abdomen, while a second transducer measures uterine contractions. How Does CTG Work? CTG operates by emitting high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) that travel through the m...