CTG Case 13

Summary

A 34 year old G 4 P 3. Gestation weeks 40+4. Normal pregnancy. Admitted to labour ward with strong contractions.

• 21.25 VE: Cx fully effaced, 4 cm dilated, vx-1. At examination spontaneous rupture of membranes. FSE applied.
• 21.55 Variable decelerations, changing position of patient from left lateral side to kneeling to improve the CTG trace.
• 23.30 VE: Cx fully effaced, 7 cm dilated, vx at the spines.
• 00.50 Patient feels a strong urge to push. Active pushing started.
• 01.10 SVD. Babygirl born 3890 g. AS 9,10,10.

Cord gases

Comment

The variable decelerations are a typical sign of cord compression. The variable decelerations get more pronounced when active pushing starts. The fetus can still keep its baseline heart rate and variability between the decelerations.