CTGs

Question 1

Define baseline

what should this range between

Answer 1

mean HR between contractions

110-160

Question 2

define Variability
what is the normal range
What is reduced and why might this happen

Answer 2

which the baseline varies over a period of a minute
5-25bpm
below 5bpm… sleep , opiates, hypoxia, fetal anemia, fetal brain damage

Question 3

define Accelerations

when may this be mums HR

Answer 3

elevation in the baseline rate of 15bpm or more lasting for 15 seconds+
when it is in line with the contraction

Question 4

define Decelerations

Answer 4

drop in baseline of 15bpm+ for 15secs+

Question 5

Types of decelerations
VEAL
CHOP

when is it assumed that fetus main organs wont be affected by hypoxia (what on the CTG)

Answer 5

Variable = with and without the contractions occurs with cord compression

Early = when a cont begins and recovers when ends … peak of decel is 30s after onset of decel occurs with head compression

Late = begin after the peak of a contraction .. usually shallow and deep . indicates fetal compromise. Due to Placenta (hypoxia)

late decels but with stable baseline and variability

Question 6

Non reassuring characteristics of variable decelerations

Answer 6

lasting more than 60 seconds 
Reduced baseline variability within the decel
failure to return to baseline 
biphasic (W) shape 
no shouldering

Question 7

3 categories of describing the CTG shape regarding the 4 characteristics

Answer 7

Reassuring
Non reassuring
Abnormal

Baseline 110-160 , 100-109 or 160-180 , <100 or >180

Variability 5-25 <5 for 90 mins <5 for over 90mins

Accelerations Present - - NAD

Decels
None

variable decels with no concerning characteristics for 90mins or more…. or with concerning characteristics in 50% + cont for less than 30 mins…. or late decels in over 50% for less than 30 mins with no maternal or fetal problems

Varaible decels with any concerning ch in over 50% in less than 30 mins …. or late decels in 30mins or less .. or acute bradychardia or single decel lasting 3 mins or more

Question 8

overall categorisation of CTG

Answer 8

Normal - all 4 reassuring
Suspicious - 1 non reassuring
pathological - 2+ non reassuring or 1 abnormal