Checking and documenting the fetal heart in the delivery ward

What it is

Two SQUH guidelines cover the same trace from two sides: when the fetal heart must be checked before a caesarean section, and what must be written on a CTG tracing while it runs. Both say what is checked and what is recorded, not what treatment to give.

Before caesarean section

Check and document the fetal heart rate prior to transfer to theatre.

Check and document the fetal heart rate using sonicaid or CTG monitor just prior to skin prep in theatre, in all cases.

Monitor continuous external EFM using a CTG monitor in theatre during a trial of vaginal delivery under double set up, and also if there is any unexpected delay in the case being started.

Documentation of the fetal heart rate in the EPR is compulsory. A manual CTG tracing is scanned into the system if the tracing is via non OB trace vue; after scanning it is stapled or attached to the main labour progress CTG trace if CTG monitoring was performed. OB trace vue is archived and stored as a permanent record.