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CTG in Pregnancy

Monitoring fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.

CTG (cardiotocography) is a simple and painless method of monitoring the baby's heart rate and uterine contractions in pregnancy. The examination helps assess fetal well-being, especially in the third trimester, in case of suspected contractions or in pregnancies that require increased monitoring. At Polyclinic Cito we perform CTG in a planned and expert manner, with a clear explanation of the findings and a recommendation for next steps.

Page Overview

What is CTG in pregnancy?

CTG (cardiotocography) is an examination that records the fetal heart rhythm (the baby's heartbeat) and the activity of the uterus (contractions). Using two probes placed on the pregnant woman's abdomen, a trace (strip/graph) is obtained that helps the doctor assess how the baby responds at rest and during any contractions.

CTG is most often performed in the third trimester, but it may also be recommended earlier on clinical assessment. The examination is non-invasive, does not emit radiation and is safe for both the mother and the baby.

Note: CTG is part of monitoring, but it is not “one figure” that explains everything - the finding is always interpreted in the context of the weeks of pregnancy, symptoms, ultrasound and your medical history.

What CTG can show: 

  • the baby's heart rhythm and its variability
  • responses to the baby's movements (accelerations)
  • the presence and frequency of contractions
  • the need for a follow-up, additional work-up or further monitoring

When is CTG recommended in pregnancy?

CTG is performed routinely in the later weeks of pregnancy, preventively in certain weeks, or in a targeted way when there are reasons for increased monitoring. 

Routine CTG in late pregnancy

  • in the third trimester as recommended by the gynaecologist
  • as the due date approaches (follow-up monitoring)
  • for pregnant women who need more frequent check-ups (a monitoring plan)

Symptoms and situations when CTG is performed 

  • a feeling of tightening of the abdomen or “hardening” of the uterus
  • pain in the lower abdomen or lower back with suspected contractions
  • a reduced sense of the baby's movements (according to assessment and urgency)
  • after an episode of bleeding or other complaints (as instructed by the doctor)
When to get in touch immediately? If you have bleeding, leakage of amniotic fluid, severe and regular pain/contractions, suddenly reduced movements of the baby or you feel unwell, this is potentially an emergency - contact the emergency service/maternity ward immediately.

What does a CTG in pregnancy look like? 

The examination is painless and lasts a certain amount of time so that the recording is sufficiently reliable...

1. Placement of the probes 

Two probes are placed on the abdomen, one monitors the baby's heartbeat and the other the contractions of the uterus. 

2. Recording the trace 

You sit or semi-recline calmly, while the device continuously monitors the heartbeat and the activity of the uterus.

3. Results 

The results are read on paper as a wave in the form of two lines. The upper line records the baby's heartbeat and the lower one records the contractions. 

4. Interpretation of the findings

A normal (reactive) finding means that the baby has a stable heart rhythm while contractions are absent or mild and irregular. 

Duration of the CTG in pregnancy: Most often 20-30 minutes (sometimes longer if the baby is “quieter”, if part of the recording needs to be repeated, or depending on the indication).
The CTG is assessed together with the week of pregnancy, symptoms and other findings. 

How to prepare for a CTG examination?


The examination is simple and does not require any special preparation. 

  • You do not need to be fasting - a light meal before the examination is recommended. 
  • It is recommended to come a little early and in comfortable clothing to make it easier to place the probes.
  • Bring your maternity documentation and previous findings (ultrasound, Doppler, discharge letters).

Quick questions before your visit

  • Is CTG safe?
    Yes - it is non-invasive and free of radiation.
  • What if the baby is quiet?
    Sometimes a slightly longer recording or a change of position is needed.
  • Will I get an explanation of the findings?
    Yes - we interpret the finding and give a recommendation on what to do next.
Note:If you have acute symptoms (bleeding, leaking waters, regular contractions), do not wait for the CTG appointment - go to A&E/the maternity ward straight away...

What do you get from this examination?

The aim of the CTG is not just to “do the recording”, but to obtain a meaningful answer about the safety and condition of the baby. 

1
An assessment of fetal well-being at that moment
Whether the fetal rhythm is normal and whether the finding is normal.
2
An assessment of contractions
Whether there are contractions, how frequent they are and how they behave.
3
A clear plan
Whether to repeat the CTG, perform an additional ultrasound/Doppler, or go to the maternity ward (depending on the finding and symptoms).

In practice this means

  • in routine monitoring, a calmer feeling when the finding is normal
  • greater safety in monitoring high-risk pregnancies 
  • a quick decision when additional work-up is needed
  • an understandable interpretation of the findings and the next steps 
Safe
Clear
Discreet

Why choose Cito Polyclinic?

We understand that CTG often comes with worry - that is why we work calmly, expertly and with a focus on a clear explanation of the findings. An expert gynaecologist with experience in analysing CTG findings provides: 

  • an unhurried examination with enough time for your questions 
  • a clear interpretation of the findings and recommendations for the next steps
  • discretion and a pleasant environment
  • the option to continue pregnancy monitoring, including high-risk pregnancies (e.g. gestational diabetes, high blood pressure)

Feeling contractions or worried about the baby's movements?

Describe the symptoms in your enquiry - we will direct you to the best next step (CTG, ultrasound, or an emergency assessment).

Send an enquiry FAQ

Price of CTG recording

The price of the report at Cito Polyclinic is 20€ and includes producing the CTG recording and its interpretation. Additional tests such as ultrasound, cervicometry, 3D/4D ultrasound or swabs are charged separately, as needed.

You can get the first available appointment straight away by phone on +385 21 457 800 or by sending a short message via the contact form.

  View the full price list
Doctors

Our team of expert physicians

Nađa Aračić
Doc.dr.sc.

Nađa Aračić, dr.med.

Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics

Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction

Ante Mršić

Ante Mršić, dr.med.

Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics

Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction

Petar Poljak

Petar Poljak, dr.med.

Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics

Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction

Stipe Medvidović

Stipe Medvidović, dr.med

Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics

Testimonials from our patients

Heartfelt praise for Polyclinic Cito! Pleasant, attentive, always available. The nurses are smiling, calm, full of support. From the very first moment you get a feeling of safety and professionalism. I would like to highlight Dr. Petar Poljak and Sisters Ivana and Lucija. I also commend the cleanliness of the entire polyclinic :) Here you don't feel like a patient, but like a friend :) Thank you to the whole team!🩵

Darija T

08.01.2026.
5/5

I am extremely satisfied with the service at Polyclinic Cito. I would especially like to commend Dr. Petar Poljak who managed my pregnancy - professional, calm and always ready to explain everything in detail. A big thank you to Sister Lucija who was warm and attentive every time. A recommendation to everyone looking for quality and professional care 💕

Marina K

16.10.2025.
5/5

Exceptionally kind and wonderful staff, and I would especially like to highlight Dr. Ante Mršić, with whom even complicated pregnancies are stress-free - full of empathy, knowledge and care for his patients. I come and go from your clinic with joy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Antonia P

26.09.2025.
5/5

I would like to share my experience with Dr. Ante Mršić. At the hospital where he worked he was a top expert, but first and foremost a man with empathy. He proved to be a great expert during my pregnancies, so I sought him out at Cito for my 3rd pregnancy. And now, after all that, the Bartholin gland procedure: from the first contact he understood the seriousness of the situation, with a smile he scheduled the procedure for 8 in the morning. Once it was done, he broke my fear; the seriousness was felt, a true professional, a great expert, together with the entire team of nurses I met. Thank you Dr. Ante - I would always choose him. And to everyone in the Cito team.

Ivana O

08.10.2025.
5/5

All praise for the entire Polyclinic Cito, from Dr. Poljak to Dr. Aračić, all the way to the staff - Sister Janja, Sister Lucija... A kind word in difficult moments means a lot. Dr. Poljak is a great expert in his field; Dr. Aračić is kind, approachable and extremely thorough - in a word, all praise.

Ivana K

03.02.2026.
5/5

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