Lack of variability in CTG

[Icklepickle101]

Does anyone know what defines lack of variability? On the ctg printout baby’s heart rate stayed between 132-136 the whole time I was monitored with no accelerations or decelerations. The MW commented it was suspicious but not overly alarming at 34 weeks. Does anyone know how much the baseline has to vary by to get a tick for variability?

Between 5 and 25 beats is considered good variability. What was the reason for the CTG?

Less than 5bpm is considered reduced variability but a lack of accelerations would give it two features that are non reassuring so I am surprised that you were told that this is ok. What was the reason for the CTG?

Reduced movements - none at all for about 6 hours and subtle before that. Now I’m a bit worried, would you go back?

I was monitored for an over hour before the machine gave me a tick and only after the midwife insisted I drank an icy drink

It's difficult to say without seeing the whole CTG itself but if you are certain that in a whole hour of CTG there are no accelerations and the variability doesn't change from the numbers that you have said then I would give them a call and discuss your concerns and see if they can reassure you.

I called and spoke to the midwife who saw us and she said the range was 132-137 so within normal parameters and she confirmed there wasn’t any accelerations or decelerations in the whole duration that it wasn’t a concern because I wasn’t term yet? Not sure I really feel any better and baby is still quiet!

If you are still worried then I would definitely go back, you know your baby and if the movements still aren't right I would just go back again. I would think that the shift should have changed by now and you would see someone different and you can explain your concerns. It's better to go back and be told that everything is fine than risk leaving it.

Did you go back @Icklepickle101? Hope all is ok

I did and I asked to see the doctor after a second similar CTG. He said that it definitely wasn’t a satisfactory printout and I shouldn’t have been sent home the first time. He’s arranged a scan on Monday and wants me to pop back both days over the weekend for another listen to baby while we wait for the scan. Feeling much happier now but a bit concerning how this other midwife got it so wrong!

Thanks for your help!

Glad you went back and got a more satisfactory plan now. Well done for pushing for what you knew was right for you and your baby. Hope everything goes ok at the scan.

I'm so glad you went back; that would have been my advice! It's good they've got you coming back over the weekend too before your scan on Monday. Even though you're scheduled to go back in every day just remember you don't have to wait for those appointments and can still go in at any point if you feel concerned.

Hope your scan goes well :)

How are the movements now? Make sure they repeat the CTG each time you go back, not just listen to the baby.

I’m glad you went back. I went in for a quick checkup at 35 weeks because I felt unwell and strange. Twin 2’s heart rate was 150 with no variability at all in the whole time I was there - I didn’t know he wasn’t moving because the other twin was moving a lot. I had an emcs within two hours of arriving.

Glad you’re being seen over the weekend - go sooner if movement is reduced still

I’m not due to go in untill lunchtime but I’m off again now, baby hasn’t moved really since yesterday.

I think I’m going to take my bags!

I was going to say after your first post that baby's movements are your key indicator of wellbeing. If they have reduced or are absent or the pattern has changed then you must not leave it, it must be checked, even if you have to keep going back
I would not be happy with a ctg as you have described and the whole picture has to be considered. It sounds like they looked at the ctg in isolation and only just satisfactory. The midwife did not take into account the other factors such as continued reduced movements etc. They just have to look at whole picture.
Glad that you have a better plan now. Definitely keep a bag in the car, but they would only induce if they conclude the baby is better out rather than in at 34/40. They may watch and wait as an inpatient or an outpatient with scans and ctgs
Movements are key though
Fingers crossed that all goes well

You are doing the right thing @Icklepickle101 hope everything is ok.

An antenatal CTG should always have accelerations to be considered reassuring. Glad you’ve been back and they now have a plan Icklepickle101 hope your scan goes well

Glad you’re going back a similar series of ctgs are the reason we now have our 34 weeker in our arms as this lead to further investigations discovering issues with placental blood flow! Best of luck, I know it’s scary but at least they are looking into it now. Do not leave until you are happy and make sure they listen to you!!!

Very similar ctg again this morning with a few decelerations so they are keeping me in. Thanks for all the support and reassurance!

Good luck! Whatever happens 34 weeks is a good gestation for baby to be ok if they need to get them out 🙃 our little one is evidence of this

How are things today @Icklepickle101? Hope all ok with baby