Pregnancy Monitoring

CTG (Cardiotocography)

A non‑invasive test that monitors your baby's heart rate and uterine contractions – providing essential information about fetal wellbeing during pregnancy and labour.

Overview

Listening to your baby with care.

Cardiotocography (CTG) is a non‑invasive, painless test that monitors your baby's heart rate and uterine contractions during pregnancy and labour. It provides real‑time information about your baby's wellbeing, helping detect any signs of distress or oxygen deprivation. CTG is an essential tool for obstetricians and midwives, particularly in high‑risk pregnancies, to make informed decisions about the timing and mode of delivery.

The test uses two small sensors placed on your abdomen – one to record the baby's heart rate (using ultrasound) and another to measure uterine contractions (using a pressure transducer). The results are displayed as two continuous traces on a paper strip or digital screen, allowing clinicians to assess the relationship between the baby's heart rate and contractions.

At Amytri Diagnostics, we perform CTG using state‑of‑the‑art fetal monitors with advanced analysis features. The test is performed by experienced nurses and obstetricians who interpret the traces and provide immediate feedback. If any abnormality is detected, we work closely with your obstetrician to ensure prompt and appropriate action.

What CTG covers

  • Fetal heart rate (FHR) – baseline rate, variability, and accelerations/decelerations
  • Uterine contractions – frequency, duration, and intensity
  • Fetal heart rate pattern – reassuring (reactive) or non‑reassuring (non‑reactive)
  • Fetal distress detection – late decelerations, variable decelerations, or bradycardia
  • Assessment of fetal wellbeing – especially in high‑risk pregnancies (diabetes, hypertension, IUGR)
  • Monitoring during labour – to guide obstetric interventions
  • Assessment of placental function – indirectly through fetal heart rate patterns
  • Biophysical profile integration – combined with ultrasound for comprehensive assessment
Why it matters

Essential for monitoring fetal wellbeing.

CTG provides vital information about your baby's health, helping detect signs of distress early – enabling timely interventions that can prevent complications and ensure a safe delivery.

Detection

Identify fetal distress early

CTG can detect abnormal fetal heart rate patterns – such as late decelerations or decreased variability – that may indicate oxygen deprivation, allowing prompt intervention.

Monitoring

Guide obstetric decisions

CTG results help obstetricians decide whether to continue labour, induce delivery, or proceed to caesarean section – ensuring the best outcome for mother and baby.

Reassurance

Provide peace of mind

A reassuring CTG trace gives expectant mothers confidence that their baby is well – reducing anxiety and building trust in the care they are receiving.

What we offer

Comprehensive CTG monitoring services.

We provide high‑quality CTG monitoring with advanced equipment and expert interpretation – ensuring you receive the most accurate assessment of your baby's wellbeing.

Antenatal CTG

Performed during the third trimester to assess fetal wellbeing, especially in high‑risk pregnancies – including those with diabetes, hypertension, or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Intrapartum CTG (Labour Monitoring)

Continuous monitoring during labour to track the baby's heart rate response to contractions – helping detect any signs of distress and guide obstetric interventions.

Non‑Stress Test (NST)

A simplified version of CTG that assesses fetal heart rate accelerations in response to fetal movement – a reassuring sign of fetal wellbeing.

Contraction Stress Test (CST)

Performed when NST is non‑reassuring – assessing the baby's heart rate response to induced contractions (using oxytocin or nipple stimulation).

Expert Interpretation

Our obstetricians and trained nurses interpret CTG traces using standardised criteria – providing immediate feedback and recommendations for further management.

Integration with Biophysical Profile (BPP)

CTG is often combined with ultrasound (amniotic fluid volume, fetal breathing, movement, and tone) for a comprehensive assessment of fetal wellbeing.

How it works

Your CTG journey, step by step.

01
Book

Book your CTG appointment

Your obstetrician will recommend CTG based on your pregnancy stage and risk factors. Contact us to schedule your appointment at a convenient time.

02
Prepare

Preparation

No special preparation is required. You can eat and drink normally. Empty your bladder before the test for comfort, and wear loose‑fitting clothing that allows access to your abdomen.

03
Monitor

CTG monitoring

You lie comfortably on a couch or bed. Two sensors are placed on your abdomen – one for the baby's heart rate (ultrasound) and one for uterine contractions (pressure). You will be asked to press a button whenever you feel the baby move. The test takes 20–40 minutes.

04
Report

Interpretation and feedback

The CTG trace is interpreted immediately by an obstetrician or trained nurse. You receive immediate feedback on your baby's wellbeing – and if any concerns arise, further action is discussed with your obstetrician.

Is it for you?

CTG is recommended if any of these apply.

It is a key investigation for monitoring fetal wellbeing, especially in high‑risk pregnancies.

High‑risk pregnancies

If you have diabetes, hypertension, pre‑eclampsia, or other medical conditions, CTG is essential for monitoring fetal wellbeing.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)

CTG helps monitor the baby's heart rate patterns to ensure they are not showing signs of distress or oxygen deprivation.

Decreased fetal movements

If you notice a reduction in your baby's movements, CTG can assess whether the baby is in distress.

Post‑term pregnancy (≥ 41 weeks)

CTG is performed to assess fetal wellbeing when the pregnancy goes beyond the expected due date, guiding decisions about induction.

Multiple pregnancy (twins/triplets)

CTG is used to monitor the wellbeing of each baby in multiple pregnancies, especially if complications are present.

Labour monitoring

During labour, CTG provides continuous information on how the baby is coping with contractions – guiding interventions if needed.

Dr. Abhishek at Amytri Diagnostics & Healthcare
Dr. Abhishek Consultant Radiologist & Fetal Medicine
Meet your specialist

Expert in fetal monitoring.

Dr. Abhishek oversees CTG services at Amytri, ensuring that every trace is interpreted accurately and that any concerns are addressed promptly. He works closely with obstetricians and midwives to ensure seamless care and timely interventions when needed – providing you with the confidence and reassurance you deserve during pregnancy and labour.

Qualified consultantMBBS · DMRD · DNB (Radiodiagnosis)
Fetal medicine expertiseCTG interpretation, fetal wellbeing assessment
Advanced technologyState‑of‑the‑art fetal monitors
Patient‑centred careCompassionate, clear explanations, and immediate feedback
Share the journey

Your partner is welcome to join.

CTG is an important moment in your pregnancy journey – having your partner with you provides support and shared joy as you listen to your baby's heartbeat together.

We welcome partners during the CTG monitoring session. They can sit with you, watch the trace, and ask questions – making the experience more comfortable and meaningful.

Be present togetherShare the moment
Ask questions togetherGet clarity as a couple
See the trace togetherWatch your baby's heartbeat
Emotional supportNavigate the journey together
Gentle answers

Questions about CTG.

Book with confidence

Monitor your baby's wellbeing – book your CTG test today.

From your baby's very first heartbeat to your family's lifelong health — we're here with precision, expertise and care. Reserve your appointment in under a minute.

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