A recent review examined the relationship between abnormal heart rate patterns in CTG monitoring and various neonatal outcomes. While some links were identified, particularly with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, overall connections were weak. The evidence suggests CTG monitoring may not be as clinically useful as presumed, prompting calls for alternative monitoring methods.
The development of the cardiotocograph (CTG) in obstetrics evolved from earlier fetal monitoring methods over a century. While intended to enhance fetal safety, its integration shifted focus towards legal liability and technology reliance, often undermining maternal care. Concerns about research integrity and the effectiveness of CTGs suggest the need to reassess their use in maternity care.
From time to time, I encounter women saying some version of “I’ll only have (insert birth intervention here) if it is medically indicated“. I completely understand the sense in which this is meant – that if something bad is highly likely to happen, and the proposed intervention is highly likely to stop that bad thing happening, then it makes sense to choose the intervention. People use this language as short […]
The third part of a series critiquing common myths about fetal heart rate monitoring. It emphasises that fetal monitoring is not essential for good outcomes, and intermittent auscultation IS fetal monitoring.
Birth Small Talk 