Fetal monitoring in labour: summary and update of NICE guidance

Abstract

### What you need to know The NHS must support high quality, safe care for women and babies, ensuring that the woman or birthing person is empowered to make decisions about their care. However, in recent years multiple reports have highlighted concerns about care in labour12 and safety concerns over inconsistent approaches to cardiotocograph (CTG) categorisation, with three different classifications in use.345 This article summarises recommendations from the recent update of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline on fetal monitoring in labour.6 The update includes an evidence review for fetal blood sampling and recommendations on fetal monitoring based on the Guideline Committee's experience and opinion. Simplifying the categorisation of CTGs, with an emphasis on regular assessment and checking on “How is the baby?”, is in line with the work of the Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth (ABC) collaboration by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives, The Healthcare Improvement Studies (THIS) Institute7 and recent opinion8 (see box 1). Box 1 ### Changes in cardiotocograph (CTG) terminology The Guideline Committee considered it important that CTG terminology was clear and in harmony with the Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth initiative7 to ensure nationwide uniformity. The GC advised the following:RETURN TO TEXT

Topics & Concepts