CTG, cardiotocography, is a recording of the fetal heart rate and uterine activity. It is not part of routine antenatal care but is used only when there is a medical indication, or in late pregnancy to assess fetal well-being. It may be used when growth restriction is suspected, when fetal movements have decreased, in cases of high blood pressure or preeclampsia, or when pregnancy has passed full term. In some cases, CTG is used before or during labour.

The examination is usually performed at a hospital or specialist antenatal unit. You lie or sit comfortably while two sensors are placed on the abdomen: one registers the fetal heartbeat, and the other registers uterine contractions. The recording typically lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. The device registers the heart rate and how it responds in relation to uterine activity. CTG does not show fetal movements directly, but only heart rate patterns in relation to contractions at the time of the examination.

The result is used as part of a broader assessment together with ultrasound findings, fundal height, blood pressure and laboratory results. CTG reflects the conditions at the time of recording and cannot predict future development.

Alma’s tips 🌿

A helpful tip can be to ask how long the CTG recording is expected to take, so you know how the visit is planned.

If you are unsure why CTG is being done, you can ask the midwife or doctor about the purpose of the examination.