Quick answers
This page explains how CTG and fetal monitoring issues may be assessed in birth injury claims. It is general information only.
Why fetal monitoring matters
Fetal monitoring is used to assess the wellbeing of the baby during labour. NICE guidance emphasises hourly assessment, documentation, consideration of risk factors and escalation when fetal compromise is suspected.
Potential failures
Potential claims may involve failure to use continuous CTG when indicated, misinterpretation of the trace, failure to recognise deterioration, delay in senior review, delay in stopping oxytocin, or delay in expediting birth where required.
The whole clinical picture
An abnormal trace alone does not decide a claim. The proper legal analysis considers maternal observations, contractions, labour progress, meconium, sepsis, oxytocin, antenatal risk factors and changes over time.
Causation
The key question is whether competent interpretation and escalation would probably have led to earlier delivery and whether that earlier birth would probably have avoided or reduced hypoxic injury.
Evidence needed
Important evidence includes CTG traces, maternity notes, partogram, obstetric and midwifery notes, decision-to-delivery times, cord gases, neonatal observations, imaging and expert evidence.
Sources used
This page is informed by NICE fetal monitoring in labour guidance and NICE cerebral palsy guidance. See NICE: Fetal monitoring in labour and Cerebral palsy in under 25s.