Why do we monitor your baby’s heart rate?

Your baby’s heart rate will be monitored at various times in your pregnancy and during your labor. A normal heart rate can reassure both you and your physician that your baby is healthy.

Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring is achieved with the use of a CTG machine. You may also have your baby’s heart rate checked with the help of a small doppler machine. The frequency of monitoring will depend on how your pregnancy is progressing. Your physician will involve you in any decisions regarding this.

What is CTG?

CTG is short for cardiotocograph. It is a machine, which prints out a record of your baby’s heartbeat, painless tightenings and contractions. It also notes when your baby moves.

A pair of elasticated belts are used to keep two monitoring sensors in place. You will still be able to move around and find a comfortable position, although the initial monitoring may be conducted on a bed.

When would you have a CTG performed?

• If you have had complications with a previous pregnancy.
• If you are concerned your baby has not moved as much as normal.
• If you go past your due date, your physician may want you to have a CTG to check all is well.
• If your physician feels that it is appropriate to monitor your baby a little more closely in pregnancy. For instance, if you have developed diabetes or high blood pressure.
• When you first go into labor, your nurse or midwife will check your baby’s heart rate and how strong your contractions are with a 20-minute CTG monitoring.
• Depending on how your labor progresses, you may be continually monitored. The decision on the frequency of monitoring will depend on risk factors identified during your pregnancy and in your labor.

How is it done?

You are usually asked if you need to go to the toilet first. You will be asked to lie down on the bed and the nurse/midwife will feel your abdomen to see what position your baby is lying in. Your blood pressure, temperature, and pulse will be checked.

Two round sensors will be placed on your abdomen and attached to a belt. These sensors may feel a bit cold as there is some gel under one sensor to help record the baby’s heartbeat. The sensors are connected to the CTG machine via leads. You may then sit up or lie on your side, whichever is more comfortable. The sensors may need to be adjusted as you or your baby moves.

It is usually possible to be monitored on a chair or birthing ball, particularly if you are in labor and experiencing lower back pain.

What is a non-stress test?

A non-stress test is a CTG monitoring technique performed while you are pregnant and not in labor. It is used to confirm that your baby is healthy.

Usually, the non-stress test takes 20-30 minutes. You will be handed a button to press when you feel a kick or movement from the baby. Allow about 45 minutes for the entire procedure.
Your baby sleeps for periods of around 40 minutes. If this happens while you are on the monitor, you may be asked to stay longer until he/she wakes up.

The CTG monitoring strip will be observed by the physician, nurse or midwife and she will explain the findings to you. A physician will organize any further follow up needs with you.