Toco, short for tocodynamometry, represents a non-invasive method employed during pregnancy to monitor uterine contractions. This technique utilizes an external transducer placed on the maternal abdomen to detect and record the frequency, duration, and relative strength of contractions. Unlike internal monitoring methods, this approach does not require the rupture of membranes or cervical dilation. An example of its application is during labor to assess the progression and pattern of uterine activity.
The significance of uterine contraction monitoring lies in its ability to provide crucial information about the progress of labor and fetal well-being. Analyzing contraction patterns helps healthcare providers identify potential complications such as tachysystole (excessively frequent contractions) or hypotonic contractions (weak or infrequent contractions), allowing for timely intervention. Historically, external monitoring has played a vital role in reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality by enabling informed decisions regarding labor management and delivery.
