 |
WARNING: You may not want your children to read some topics in this section. |
How is it performed?
Internal and external monitoring
History and reliability of monitoring
Fetal ECG waveforms and oximeters- New technologies
What is a CTG?
Monitoring of the baby's heart rate during labour can be done using a 'Continuous Cardiotocographic machine' (or CTG). This records the baby's heart rate continuously on a piece of paper. Caregivers often refer to the paper recording as a 'trace'. A CTG may also be referred to as fetal monitoring, continuous monitoring, and electronic fetal monitoring (or EFM).
The CTG was first developed in the 1970's and is now a widely used tool to monitor babies during labour in maternity hospitals throughout Australia (and in most modern delivery suites worldwide). A CTG may also be performed during the last half of the pregnancy (usually after 24 to 28 weeks) if there are health concerns for the mother or baby.
Reasons to monitor the baby's heart rate can include: