Fetal monitoring · CTG · Marrakech
« My baby moves less », « I am past my due date », « I was told to have a monitoring »: the test is simple and reassuring, yet it is not always clear what it is for or how to read the trace. In Marrakech, Dr Oussama Rachid, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, performs it at the clinic, explains the trace during the examination and decides the next step with you.
It records, on paper or on a screen, the beats of the baby's heart. It is also called cardiotocography (CTG), fetal monitoring, or a non-stress test (NST) when no contractions are present.
Two sensors are placed on the abdomen: an ultrasound sensor picks up the baby's heart rate, and a pressure sensor records the uterine contractions. It does not hurt and uses no radiation.
It checks, at the time of the test, that the baby is coping well in the womb. A healthy baby's heart speeds up when it moves and its rate keeps varying: these variations are reassuring. The test also detects contractions you may not always feel.
The doctor offers it according to your situation, in particular when:
A pregnancy that is progressing normally does not need a monitoring at every visit.
You are seated comfortably, half reclined or on your left side so that large blood vessels are not compressed. Two elastic belts hold the sensors on your abdomen, with a little gel. The recording usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes, sometimes longer if the baby is asleep. You can relax, and you may be asked to press a button when you feel the baby move. The trace is observed during the recording and commented on at the end.
Nothing complicated:
The doctor looks at:
A reactive trace, with accelerations and good variability, is reassuring. It is always read together with the clinical picture: gestational age, history, the baby's movements.
A non-reactive trace does not mean the baby is in danger: it may simply be asleep, as sleep periods often last 20 to 40 minutes. The doctor then extends or repeats the recording. If doubt remains, further tests (ultrasound with amniotic fluid measurement, Doppler) may be added, or you may be referred to the maternity unit.
It tells us about the baby's wellbeing at one moment only. It does not predict what will happen next and does not replace the movements you feel, the ultrasound or the clinical examination. During labour, continuous monitoring takes place at the maternity unit where you deliver.
See a doctor the same day, without waiting for your next appointment, if you have:
Outside clinic hours, go to the maternity emergency unit. The clinic does not replace obstetric emergency services.
Dr Oussama Rachid performs fetal monitoring at the clinic, by appointment, as part of a pregnancy check-up or on request when there is a doubt. He takes the time to explain the trace, gives you a report and organises the next steps if needed. To book: WhatsApp or telephone.
The procedures and examinations linked to this care. Each is offered after a consultation, according to your situation.
Fetal heart rate monitoring (CTG)
Listening to and recording the baby's heartbeat, with contractions if needed, to check wellbeing. Done at the clinic.
Yes. ERCF is the French abbreviation for fetal heart rate recording; it is also called fetal monitoring or cardiotocography (CTG).
No. It uses ultrasound and a pressure sensor, without pain and without any known danger for you or the baby.
Usually 20 to 30 minutes, sometimes longer if the baby is asleep.
There is no single date: it is offered according to the situation, most often late in pregnancy or as soon as a doubt arises (reduced movements, maternal illness, overdue pregnancy). The doctor chooses the right time.
No. In a normally progressing pregnancy, it is not routine.
Often that the baby is asleep. The recording is extended or repeated, and completed by other tests if needed.
No, quite the opposite: eat normally, as babies are often more active after a meal.
Do not wait: see a doctor the same day, at the clinic or, outside its hours, at the maternity emergency unit.
No, they complement each other: monitoring studies the heart rate, the ultrasound studies growth, amniotic fluid and anatomy.
Yes, Dr Oussama Rachid performs fetal monitoring at the clinic, by appointment.
Informational content: it does not replace a consultation. No outcome can be guaranteed.
