Don’t use continous cardiotocography (CTG) during labour of women at low risk for hypoxia.

Don’t use continous cardiotocography (CTG) during labour of women at low risk for hypoxia.

Type of practice

Other tests

Age

Adult

Topic Area

Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatal Medicine

Continous cardiotocography (CTG) during labour is commonly used in Italy; intermittent auscultation should be used instead unless risk factors for fetal hypoxia are identified. According to evidence its routine use could expose women to harmful effects, for example a higher rate of unnecessary cesarean sections.

Sources

1. Alfirevic Z, Devane D, Gyte GM. Continuous cardiotocography (CTG) as a form of electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) for fetal assessment during labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD 006066.
2. David A. Grimes, MD, and Jeffrey F. Peipert, MD, PhD “Electronic Fetal Monitoring as a Public Health Screening Program The Arithmetic of Failure”. Obstet Gynecol 2010; 116: 1397–1400.

Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.