This course teaches safe fetal monitoring in labour, including intermittent auscultation, structured CTG review and escalation, using UK guidance and the lessons of national maternity investigations. It uses worked examples and an SBAR comparison, and supports midwives and doctors who need to reflect on and remediate a fetal monitoring concern.
What you will learn
- Explain the purpose and limitations of intermittent auscultation and cardiotocography in labour, and when each is recommended.
- Perform intermittent auscultation correctly, including distinguishing the fetal heart from the maternal pulse.
- Carry out a structured, holistic CTG review that takes account of the whole clinical picture.
- Escalate concerns clearly using SBAR and recognise the role of 'fresh eyes' review and situational awareness.
- Describe recurring themes from national maternity investigations and how they apply to individual practice.
- Write a reflection and remediation plan after a fetal monitoring concern, supported by verifiable evidence.
Course content
- Why fetal monitoring matters (2 min)
- Risk assessment and choosing the method (2 min)
- Intermittent auscultation done well (2 min)
- Structured CTG review (4 min)
- Escalation and communication (3 min)
- Lessons from national maternity investigations (2 min)
- Case study, reflection and remediation (4 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018) and Standards of proficiency for midwives (2019)
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024)
- NICE guideline NG229: Fetal monitoring in labour
- NICE guideline NG235: Intrapartum care
- NHS England: Saving Babies' Lives Care Bundle, including the element on fetal monitoring during labour
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Royal College of Midwives guidance on maternity safety and escalation
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
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Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.