On a hospital monitor, “Toco” refers to a tocodynamometer, a specialized device used to track and display uterine contractions during pregnancy and labor. This external monitoring tool assesses uterine activity without needing to enter the body. It helps healthcare providers understand the pattern of contractions, which is important for managing labor progression and identifying potential concerns for both the pregnant individual and the baby.
Understanding Uterine Contractions
Uterine contractions are the tightening and relaxing of the muscles in the uterus. They become more noticeable and organized as labor approaches. During labor, contractions gradually open and thin the cervix and move the baby down the birth canal. They feel like a tightening or pressure in the abdomen, sometimes extending to the lower back.
As labor progresses, contractions usually become stronger, more frequent, and last longer. Monitoring them helps assess labor progress and ensure the well-being of the pregnant individual and the fetus. Adequate contractions are necessary for effective labor, while excessive or abnormal patterns might indicate a need for medical intervention.
How the Toco Monitor Operates
The Toco monitor is an external, non-invasive device positioned on the abdomen. It consists of a disk-shaped transducer placed over the uterine fundus, the top portion of the uterus, where contractions are most prominent. An elastic belt secures the transducer firmly against the skin. This device senses pressure changes on the abdominal wall as the uterus hardens and changes shape during a contraction.
The transducer contains a plunger depressed by the tightening uterus, converting mechanical pressure into an electrical signal. This signal is translated into a visible waveform or numerical reading on the hospital monitor, providing information about the frequency and duration of contractions. The display often shows peaks corresponding to each contraction, allowing observation of uterine activity patterns.
Limitations of Toco Monitoring
While a Toco monitor effectively indicates the presence, frequency, and duration of uterine contractions, it has limitations. An external Toco monitor cannot accurately measure the intensity or strength of contractions, nor intrauterine pressure. Readings can be influenced by factors like belt tightness, patient position, and body mass index (BMI), as effectiveness may diminish in individuals with higher BMI.
The Toco monitor does not track the baby’s heart rate. Fetal heart rate monitoring is performed by a separate transducer, often a Doppler ultrasound device, placed alongside the Toco. Both devices work together to provide a comprehensive picture of maternal and fetal well-being during labor.