Fetal Monitoring In Pregnancy

Question 1

Causes of fetal tachycardia

Answer 1

 Maternal fever eg. malaria,
chorioamnionitis

 Fetal infection

 Maternal dehydration

 Drugs given to mother e.g. atropine

Question 2

Causes of fetal bradycardia

Answer 2

 Maternal medications e.g. sedatives, opiates

 Congenital heart block

 Uterine hypertonicity

 Cord compression

Question 3

CTG

Answer 3

• Baseline Heart Rate
• Variablity
• Acceleration and Deceleration

Question 4

Causes of fetal distress

Answer 4

MATERNAL
• Poor placental perfusion
• Hypovolaemia – haemorrhage, dehydration
• Hypotension – shock, drugs, epidural,
supine hypotension
• Myometrial hypertonus – prolonged labour,
hyperstimulation

FETAL
• Cord compression –oligohydramnios,
entanglement, prolapse
• IUGR
• Infection
• Cardiac problem
• Abruption

Question 5

Management of fetal distress

Answer 5

Management of fetal distress
• Stop any oxytocin infusion. Give IV N/S (not Dextrose)

• Turn mother on her left side

• Administer oxygen to mother

• Do a vaginal exam TO EXCLUDE CORD PROLAPSE

• Check fetal blood sample if indicated
•
Continue monitoring the FH rate: if the FHR recovers, continue with close
monitoring.

• If FHR abnormality persists, expedite delivery with help of
• episiotomy
• vacuum/forceps
• caesarean section