Touch screen CTG machine

Product Description

A Fetal Monitor is a medical device used to track and assess the fetal heart rate FHR and uterine contractions during pregnancy and labor It helps healthcare providers monitor the wellbeing of the fetus and detect any signs of distress ensuring timely interventions if necessary

Principle of Fetal Monitoring

The fetal monitor measures and records

Fetal Heart Rate FHR Evaluates the babys heart activity to check for abnormalities

Uterine Contractions Tracks the frequency and intensity of contractions to assess labor progress

Types of Fetal Monitoring

1 NonInvasive Monitoring External Monitoring

Ultrasound Transducer

Uses Doppler ultrasound technology to detect fetal heartbeats

Converts sound waves into electrical signals to display and record FHR

Tocodynamometer Toco

Measures uterine contractions using a pressuresensitive device placed on the mothers abdomen

It detects changes in abdominal pressure caused by uterine activity

2 Invasive Monitoring Internal Monitoring

Fetal Scalp Electrode FSE

A small electrode is attached to the fetal scalp to measure electrical signals from the fetal heart directly

Provides highly accurate FHR readings

Intrauterine Pressure Catheter IUPC

Inserted into the uterus to directly measure the strength of uterine contractions

Used when external monitoring is insufficient

Modes of Fetal Monitoring

Antepartum Monitoring Before Labor

Conducted during prenatal visits to check fetal health

Used in nonstress tests NST and contraction stress tests CST

Intrapartum Monitoring During Labor

Continuous monitoring during labor to detect any signs of fetal distress

Ensures safe delivery by guiding interventions like labor induction or cesarean section

Applications of Fetal Monitoring

HighRisk Pregnancies

Used for conditions like gestational diabetes preeclampsia or multiple pregnancies

Fetal Distress Detection

Identifies irregular heart rates that may indicate oxygen deprivation or other issues

Monitoring Preterm Labor

Tracks contractions and fetal health to manage premature births

Labor Management

Evaluates the impact of labor on fetal wellbeing guiding interventions such as the use of oxytocin or epidurals

PostIntervention Monitoring

Assesses fetal response after procedures like amniotomy or epidural anesthesia

Advantages of Fetal Monitoring

NonInvasive Options External monitoring poses minimal risk to the mother and baby

RealTime Feedback Continuous observation allows for immediate intervention

Improves Outcomes Reduces the risk of complications during labor and delivery

Accurate Measurements Provides precise data for decisionmaking

Limitations

False PositivesNegatives May sometimes give misleading results leading to unnecessary interventions

Discomfort in Prolonged Use Continuous external monitoring can be uncomfortable for the mother

Invasive Risks Internal monitoring may carry a slight risk of infection or injury

Summary

Fetal monitors are essential tools in obstetrics ensuring the safety of both the mother and baby by continuously tracking fetal heart rate and uterine activity With options for external and internal monitoring they are vital for managing highrisk pregnancies labor and delivery reducing complications and improving outcomes