Intrapartum Cardiotocography Monitoring & Its Correlation with Fetomaternal Outcome
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71393/hn2cq143Keywords:
Cardiotocography, Intrapartum fetal monitoring, Perinatal outcome, APGAR score, Birth asphyxiaAbstract
Introduction: Intrapartum fetal monitoring with cardiotocography (CTG) is essential for identifying fetal hypoxia and reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study aims to correlate intrapartum CTG patterns with fetomaternal outcomes.
Aims & Objectives: To identify CTG patterns associated with neonatal respiratory depression and to evaluate the mode of delivery among women with abnormal CTG.
Materials & Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 pregnant women at ≥34 weeks of gestation in a tertiary care hospital. CTG patterns were classified as reassuring, suspicious, or pathological according to NICE guidelines. Maternal demographics, labor characteristics, and neonatal outcomes, including APGAR scores, birth asphyxia, NICU admissions, and cord blood pH were recorded and analyzed.
Results: Pathological and suspicious CTG patterns were observed in 17% and 23% of cases, respectively. Significant associations were found between abnormal CTG and meconium-stained liquor (p<0.001), cesarean section (p<0.001), and instrumental delivery (p<0.001). All cases with reassuring CTG had normal vaginal deliveries without birth asphyxia. Neonatal outcomes, including low APGAR scores at 1 and 5 minutes, birth asphyxia, and NICU admission, were significantly associated with pathological and suspicious CTG patterns (p<0.001). Mean cord blood pH was significantly lower in pathological (7.04±0.11) and suspicious (7.01±0.1) groups compared to the reassuring group (7.17±0.1) (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Intrapartum CTG monitoring is a valuable tool for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes. Pathological and suspicious CTG patterns correlate significantly with neonatal respiratory depression, increased cesarean section rates, and NICU admissions.
