Mothers’ perceptions of cardiotocography during labour

Abstract

Cardiotocography (CTG) monitoring is a technique commonly used to assess the wellbeing of the fetus during the intrapartum period. The aim of this small scale quantitative study was to explore mothers’ perceptions of CTG monitoring during labour. The objectives sought to identify the maternal knowledge about intrapartum CTG monitoring gained prior to and during labour, and to investigate mothers’ involvement in decision-making about fetal monitoring in labour. The researcher was also interested in assessing maternal perceptions of benefits and drawbacks of intrapartum CTG monitoring, and in identifying maternal views on how CTG monitoring influenced their birth experience. A convenience sample of 38 women, representing a response rate of 84%, completed a questionnaire which had been designed specifically for the purposes of the study. The participants were mothers who had experienced CTG monitoring during their recent labour. The questionnaires were completed during their postpartum hospital stay at the local, general hospital. Data was analysed manually using descriptive statistics and by content analysis. The study’s findings indicated that although many women received information about the function and purpose of intrapartum fetal monitoring, primarily during their labour, they were often not informed of the different methods of fetal surveillance available. The majority were not allowed to participate in decision-making about their preferred fetal monitoring technique. Participants identified benefits of CTG monitoring, such as reassurance associated with the constant monitoring of fetal well-being. They also identified drawbacks of this monitoring technique, such as discomfort and restrictions in mobilisation. CTG monitoring via telemetry was perceived to diminish negative effects on mobilisation. Participants were overall satisfied with the fetal monitoring they received and did not feel that it greatly impacted on their birth experience. Recommendations for practice, management and further research, based on research findings, are proposed. These include providing further information to expectant mothers regarding intrapartum monitoring techniques during the antenatal period and allowing them to better contribute in related decisionmaking.