Obstetrics

Fetal Wellbeing Assessment

Fetal wellbeing assessment are tests done to monitor fetal health using various methods including fetal movement counting, ultrasound scans and cardiotocography (CTG). This is to facilitate early detection of problems and to initiate appropriate intervention before it is too late.

They are usually done between weeks 24 and 41 of the pregnancy.

Fetal movement counting

You can do fetal movement counting on your own to track your baby’s movements in order to assess your baby’s health. If there is a change in the normal pattern or decrease in the number of movements, you will need to alert us immediately.

Fetal Growth Scan & Doppler Studies

This fetal growth scan assesses the baby’s growth and evaluates the placental location, amniotic fluid volume, as well as fetal parameters. The doppler ultrasound study is used to assess the blood flow in the placenta, umbilical cord and other blood vessels in the baby. The results from the ultrasound can help determine if the baby is overweight or growth retarded in addition to assessing placental function.

Cardiotocography (CTG)

Using two transducers placed on the woman’s abdomen, the CTG is able to record and measure the baby’s heart rate and uterine muscle activity (contractions). The focus is to identify abnormal fetal heart rate patterns associated with reduced oxygen supply to the fetus so that early intervention can be carried out before the fetus is harmed.

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