Cardiotocography (CTG) in India — Fetal Monitoring Cost & Interpretation
CTG fetal monitoring in India costs $50–$150. Non-stress test and contraction stress test by expert obstetricians. Safe fetal heart monitoring. Book with Gaf Healthcare.
Estimated cost: $50 – $150 · Average stay: Same day
Cardiotocography (CTG) is the standard electronic fetal monitoring technique that simultaneously records fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contractions. It is used in antenatal surveillance of high-risk pregnancies (non-stress test) and throughout labour (intrapartum CTG) to detect fetal distress and guide safe delivery decisions. India's maternity hospitals offer expert CTG interpretation 24 hours a day.
What Is Cardiotocography?
CTG uses two external transducers placed on the maternal abdomen — a Doppler ultrasound transducer to detect the fetal heart rate and a pressure transducer (tocometer) to detect uterine contractions. The recordings are printed as a continuous trace. A normal (reactive) CTG shows a baseline FHR of 110–160 beats/min, variability of 5–25 bpm, two or more accelerations (≥15 bpm rise for ≥15 seconds) within 20 minutes, and no decelerations. Abnormal patterns (variable, late, or prolonged decelerations, reduced variability) indicate possible fetal hypoxia.
When Is CTG Recommended?
CTG is recommended in high-risk antenatal care (diabetes, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, reduced fetal movement, post-dates pregnancy), in all labouring women in hospital, for all women undergoing induction of labour, during oxytocin augmentation, after epidural analgesia, and when maternal or fetal risk factors are identified intrapartum.
CTG Procedure
The patient lies comfortably in a semi-recumbent position. The FHR transducer is placed over the point of maximum intensity of the fetal heartbeat, secured with an elastic band. The tocometer is placed at the uterine fundus. The fetal heart rate trace and contraction pressure trace are recorded on heat-sensitive paper for 20–40 minutes (antenatal NST) or continuously throughout labour. The trace is interpreted by trained midwives and obstetricians using FIGO or NICE guidelines.
Procedure Steps
- Patient positioned semi-recumbent on the monitoring bed
- FHR Doppler transducer positioned over the fetal heartbeat
- Tocometer placed at the uterine fundus
- Trace commences — reviewed at 20 minutes and 40 minutes
- Reactive trace (normal): reassurance given — patient may proceed
- Non-reactive trace: biophysical profile or repeat CTG arranged
- Abnormal intrapartum CTG: fetal blood sampling or emergency delivery considered
Cost Comparison Worldwide
Country — Range — Savings
--- — --- — ---
India — $50 – $150 — Save 80–90%
UAE — $100 – $300 — Save 70–80%
United Kingdom — $200 – $600 — Baseline
United States — $300 – $1,000 — —
CTG monitoring in India costs $50–$150 per session — included within labour packages and antenatal monitoring appointments at Gaf Healthcare partner hospitals.
Recovery & Follow-up
No recovery required. CTG is completely non-invasive and safe for both mother and baby.
Recovery Tips
- Eat a light meal before an antenatal NST to improve fetal activity
- Avoid supine position for prolonged periods — left lateral tilt reduces aortocaval compression
- Report any reduction in fetal movements to the obstetric team immediately
Risks & Complications
CTG is non-invasive and carries no risks. Over-interpretation of non-specific CTG patterns may lead to unnecessary intervention — Gaf Healthcare obstetric teams use validated FIGO CTG classification guidelines.
Why GAF Healthcare
All Gaf Healthcare maternity partners have CTG machines in every labour room, with on-site obstetricians trained in FIGO intrapartum CTG interpretation available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'reactive' CTG?
A reactive (normal) CTG shows FHR 110–160 bpm, good variability (5–25 bpm), two or more accelerations in 20 minutes, and no abnormal decelerations. It indicates fetal wellbeing with 99%+ negative predictive value for fetal hypoxia.
What happens if the CTG is abnormal?
An abnormal CTG triggers clinical assessment and may lead to repositioning the mother, oxygen administration, stopping oxytocin, fetal blood sampling (in labour), or emergency C-section delivery if there are signs of acute fetal compromise.
Is CTG accurate at predicting fetal wellbeing?
CTG is an excellent screening tool for fetal compromise but has a high false-positive rate (60–70%). Fetal blood sampling (lactate or pH) provides definitive assessment when the CTG is pathological.
Can CTG be performed at home?
Home CTG monitoring using wireless monitors is available for high-risk pregnancies. Gaf Healthcare can arrange home CTG devices for patients in India during their antenatal stay.
What does continuous CTG during labour mean?
Continuous intrapartum CTG records the fetal heart rate throughout all of labour — recommended for high-risk labours including induced labour, augmented labour, epidural analgesia, and any maternal or fetal risk factors.