Foetal Monitoring Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is the primary goal of foetal monitoring?
To prevent f0etal demise and avoid unnecessary interventions like iatrogenic prematurity.
When does foetal assessment begin and what does it focus on in each trimester?
1st trimester: Viability; 2nd: Genetic/structural development; 3rd: Growth and well-being.
What proportion of neonatal deaths is due to preterm birth?
About 40%.
What are the major indications for foetal assessment?
Poor growth, antepartum haemorrhage, hypertension, diabetes, prolonged pregnancy.
What are some high-risk pregnancy indicators?
Age <16 or >40, primigravida, grandmultiparity, poor socioeconomic status, substance use.
How is pregnancy dated when the LMP is unclear?
Early ultrasound within first 20 weeks (crown-rump length, gestational sac volume).
What is the average maternal weight gain in a singleton pregnancy?
10–12 kg in total; ~400–500 g/week.
When should symphysiofundal height (SFH) correspond with gestational age?
From 20 weeks, SFH in cm = gestational age ± 2 cm.
What is the purpose of abdominal palpation in foetal monitoring?
To assess lie, presentation, position, and engagement.
What tools are used to detect foetal heart tones?
Pinard stethoscope or Doppler (sonic aid).
What parameters are used in 1st trimester ultrasound?
Gestational sac volume, crown-rump length (CRL).
What measurements are used in the 2nd trimester ultrasound?
BPD, femur length, abdominal circumference, head circumference.
Why is 3rd trimester ultrasound less accurate for dating?
Larger variation in foetal growth; dating accuracy ±14 days.
What is asymmetrical IUGR and what causes it?
AC small, HC appropriate; due to extrinsic factors like preeclampsia (reduced blood flow).
What is symmetrical IUGR and what causes it?
Both AC and HC are small; due to intrinsic causes like TORCH infections or chromosomal anomalies.
At what gestational age is a congenital anomaly scan best done?
Between 18–22 weeks (especially cardiac anomalies at 22 weeks).
What is the “Cardiff count-to-ten” foetal kick chart?
Expect 10 kicks in 12 hours.
What does a reactive Non-Stress Test (NST) require?
FHR 120–160 bpm, variability 5–25 bpm, ≥2 accelerations (≥15 bpm, ≥15 seconds), no decelerations.
What does a non-reactive NST before 30–32 weeks imply?
Often due to CNS immaturity; not necessarily abnormal.
What does a normal CTG imply for foetal prognosis?
Reassuring; risk of foetal death <1/1000 in one week.
What is the purpose of a contraction stress test (CST)?
To assess foetal tolerance to stress from contractions.
How is a CST interpreted?
Positive: late decelerations in >50% contractions; Negative: none; Equivocal: inconsistent findings.
What is foetal vibroacoustic stimulation?
Acoustic stimulation to wake foetus and improve NST reactivity.
What are the 5 parameters of a Biophysical Profile (BPP)?
Amniotic fluid volume, foetal movement, foetal breathing, foetal tone, foetal reactivity (NST).
