Reactive Cardiotocography Vs Non Reactive Cardiotocography and Fetal Blood Sampling in Intrapartum Monitoring

Background: Assessing status of the fetus during labor pains is a difficult task. And acceptable fetal monitoring during labor usually comprises of Cardiotocography to record fetal heart rate. It shows fetal brain response to acidic blood pH, changes of blood volume and decreased oxygen level, as fetal heart function is under brain's control. Aim: To compare Cesarean section frequency with Cardiotocography ( CTG) versus Fetal blood sampling and Cardiotocography. Methods: This cross sectional analytical analysis was conducted at Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore from October 2017 to April 2018. Hundred patients in labor, who fulfilled the criteria were included. They were placed at random into two groups i.e. Group A ( continuous Cardiotocography) and Group B ( continuous Cardiotocography and fetal blood sampling). The patients in first group were selected for Cesarean Section. In Group B hypoxia was assessed. Data analysis carried out by using SPSS version 21. All relevant parameters were calculated. Results: The mean age of patients was 27.64 +/- 4.38. The mean duration of pregnancy was 39.3 +/- 1.05 weeks. In group an all patients underwent Cesarean Section whereas in group B, 60% of the patients had LSCS and rest had vaginal delivery. In group A, 56% had Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes, whereas in group B, 36% had score < 7 at 5 minutes. Conclusion: Cardiotocography ( CTG) when used along with Fetal Blood Sampling for fetal blood pH is an effective way for assessing fetal condition in labor to decide the mode of delivery.