A CTG in active labour shows: baseline 155 bpm, reduced variability (<5 bpm for 45 minutes), recurrent late decelerations after every contraction, no accelerations. According to NICE 2022 CTG classification, this trace is:

• A Normal — no action required
• B Suspicious — continue monitoring and reassess in 30 minutes
• C Pathological — urgent action required (fetal blood sampling or delivery) ✓
• D Non-reassuring — change maternal position and rehydrate

Explanation

NICE 2022 Intrapartum CTG classification requires all four features to be normal for a 'normal' trace. This CTG has two non-reassuring features: reduced baseline variability (<5 bpm for >40 min) and recurrent late decelerations. Under NICE 2022, a trace with two or more non-reassuring features in the absence of any abnormal features is classified as 'pathological', requiring urgent action — expedite birth or fetal blood sampling (FBS). Baseline tachycardia (155 bpm) with late decelerations and reduced variability constitutes a pathological trace.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.