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My stomach is hard last nyt and I had only 3 movements after breakfast and 2 during lunch and there's no movements in between now I'm admitted for ctg in ctg at one time it has gone up to 172

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Based on what you've described and what the medical sources confirm, here is a clear explanation of your situation:

What Is Happening

You appear to be pregnant and are currently being monitored with a CTG (cardiotocograph) - a machine that records your baby's heart rate and your uterine contractions simultaneously.

Your Symptoms - What They Mean

1. Hard stomach last night

A hard abdomen during pregnancy can indicate uterine contractions (including Braxton Hicks or actual labour contractions), or increased uterine tone. This is one reason your team admitted you for monitoring - very appropriate.

2. Reduced fetal movements (3 after breakfast, 2 at lunch, none since)

This is called reduced fetal movements (RFM). The standard guideline used in most maternity units is that you should feel at least 10 movements in a 2-hour period during the time of day your baby is usually most active. When movements drop noticeably from your baby's normal pattern, it is a warning sign that needs investigation - which is exactly why you are being monitored.
Reduced movements can sometimes indicate:
  • The baby is in a sleep cycle (normal, typically 20-40 minutes)
  • Fetal distress or reduced oxygen supply to the baby
  • Placental issues

3. CTG reading of 172 bpm

The normal fetal heart rate baseline is 110 to 160 beats per minute (bpm). A rate of 172 bpm is above the normal range and is classified as fetal tachycardia (fast heart rate).
According to Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine: "The normal baseline fetal heart rate is 110 to 160 beats/min... Rates above or below this range may indicate fetal distress. Persistent fetal tachycardia occurs most frequently in response to maternal fever or amnionitis but may also indicate fetal compromise."
Possible reasons for a fetal heart rate of 172:
  • Maternal fever (infection)
  • Dehydration
  • Infection of the amniotic fluid (amnionitis/chorioamnionitis)
  • Fetal distress (baby not getting enough oxygen)
  • Medications (some drugs given in labour speed the fetal heart)
  • The baby may have briefly accelerated due to movement (accelerations are normal and reassuring)

What to Do Right Now

You are already in the right place. The team monitoring your CTG is assessing whether:
  • The high heart rate was a brief acceleration (reassuring) or a sustained baseline tachycardia (concerning)
  • Your baby is showing signs of distress
  • You need further intervention
Tell your midwife or doctor:
  • Exactly how many movements you felt and when
  • Whether the hardness in your stomach is still present or came in waves (contractions)
  • If you have a fever, feel unwell, have any bleeding, or fluid leaking
Do not leave the hospital until your team has reviewed the CTG and given you a clear explanation of what they found and what the plan is.
Important: This information is for general understanding only. Your clinical team at the bedside are the ones who can interpret your full CTG trace, examine you, and make management decisions. Please speak directly with your midwife or doctor about any concerns right now.
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