Abstract:
Objective of the study was as certain the reliability of fetal cardiotocography (C.T.G) in
predicting baby's condition at birth. It is a Descriptive observational study to find out the
reliability of fetal cardiotocography in predicting baby's condition at birth. The study was
carried out at Ward 3,5,15 and 16 De Soysa Maternity Hospital and Ward 25 N.C.T.H. 1246
pregnant mothers between the P.O.A of 37 to 41 weeks were included in this study. Babies
were considered having fetal distress l)when Apgar score 7 at 5mts of birth2)when baby
needed I.P.P. V soon after birth3)when presence of moderate or thick meconium at the onset
of labour4)When appearance of meconium during labourOveral1 sensitivity of C.T.G for an
abdominal tracing is 57.6 percent (sensitivity of CTG for an abnormal tracing High risk
mother is 58.4 percent, in a Low risk mothers it is 40 percent).Overall specifically ,of C.T.G
for abnormal tracing is 90.5 percent (specificity of CTG for abnormal tracing High risk
mother is- 92.6 percent, in a Low risk mother it is-81.9 percent) Positive predict value of
CTG is 45.7 percent Negative predictive value of CTG is 93.9 percent. This study shows
C.T.G has a high incidence of false positive and low incidence of false negative Although
C. T. G has a low sensitivity it is relatively more sensitive to high risk cases. These findings
suggest that the current overdependence on fetal monitoring by-C.T.G alone should be
examined and that other reliable indicators should be sought.
