CTG

Question 1

DR C BRAVADO

Answer 1

Define risk
Contractions
Baseline rate
Variability
Accelerations
Decelerations
Overall impression

Question 2

You should assess contractions for …

Answer 2

1) duration

2) intensity (assessed using palpation)

Question 3

Causes of foetal tachycardia

Answer 3

• foetal hypoxia
• chorioamnionitis (if maternal fever also present)
• foetal or maternal anaemia
• foetal tachycardia

Question 4

MILD bradycardia is common in what situations?

Answer 4

• post-date gestation

- occiput posterior or transverse presentations

Question 5

Causes of severe prolonged bradycardia

Answer 5

• prolonged cord compression
• cord prolapse
• epidural and spinal anaesthesia
• maternal seizures
• rapid foetal descent

Question 6

What might cause reduced variability?

Answer 6

• Foetus sleeping (this should last no longer than 40 minutes- most common cause)
• Foetal acidosis (due to hypoxia) - more likely if decelerations also present
• foetal tachycardia
• drugs (opiates, benzodiazepines, methyldopa, magnesium sulphate)
• prematurity
• congenital heart abnormalities