What does Toco stand for on a fetal monitor?
Then, how do you read a Toco monitor?
The red indicator is showing the mother's contractions. The fetal heart rate is usually on the top of a computer screen, with the contractions on the bottom. Graph paper that is printed has the fetal heart rate to the left and the contractions to the right.
Then, how does a Toco monitor work?
Tocodynamometers are electronic devices for monitoring and recording uterine contractions during labor. When the uterus contracts, it pushes against the intrauterine wall and makes internal pressure rise. That pushes the air inside the Koala Toco and produces a signal.
When the cervix dilates from 4 to 8 centimeters (called the Active Phase), contractions get stronger and are about 3 minutes apart, lasting about 45 seconds.