When monitoring contractions on a fetal monitor, the contractions are typically displayed in the form of a TOCO (toco) number. TOCO stands for “tocodynamometer,” which is a device used to measure uterine contractions. The TOCO number is a measurement of the pressure exerted by the contractions on the abdomen.
On the monitoring screen, the fetal heart rate is usually displayed on the top left, while the TOCO number is shown on the right. The TOCO number is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), which is a unit of pressure commonly used in medical settings.
The TOCO measurement is obtained by placing a tocodynamometer on the mother’s abdomen. This device consists of a pressure-sensitive pad or belt that is wrapped around the abdomen and connected to the monitoring system. As the uterus contracts, it exerts pressure on the tocodynamometer, which then converts this pressure into a numerical value, the TOCO number.
The TOCO number provides information about the intensity of the contractions. The higher the TOCO number, the stronger the contraction. This information is useful for healthcare providers to assess the progress of labor and ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
It’s important to note that the TOCO number is just one component of the overall assessment of labor. Healthcare providers also consider other factors such as the duration and frequency of contractions, as well as the fetal heart rate patterns, to evaluate the progress and well-being of the mother and baby.
Contractions are shown on a monitor through a TOCO number, which is a measurement of the pressure exerted by the contractions on the abdomen. The TOCO number is displayed on the monitoring screen alongside the fetal heart rate. This information helps healthcare providers assess the intensity of the contractions and monitor the progress of labor.