CTG

CTG stands for Cardio Toco Graphy. This is a heart film of the baby with which the condition of the baby can be assessed. A CTG may be necessary if the mother does not feel the baby move properly, or if the baby is running late.

THE RESEARCH

A CTG is performed and assessed by the gynecologist and is therefore always done in the hospital. For this examination you will have to lie on a bed and two straps will be placed around your abdomen to keep two caps in place. One cap registers the heartbeat of your baby and the other (possible) contractions of your uterus such as hard bellies or (pre) contractions. A CTG examination takes about half an hour. Sometimes it is necessary to register a little longer, for example if your baby is sleeping, the heart film cannot be properly assessed.

DURING THE BIRTH

If you give birth in hospital with a medical indication, a CTG will always be made during the contractions to monitor the condition of the baby. If the membranes have already broken during childbirth, the baby's heartbeat can also be registered via a skull electrode. A small wire is then placed on the baby's scalp and connected to the CTG. The skull electrode then replaces one of the caps on your abdomen. The advantage of this is that as a woman in labor you get a bit more freedom of movement, because one of the straps can come off your belly.