Is moderate fetal heart rate variability considered normal?

• A. No, it’s abnormal
• B. It indicates tachycardia
• C. Yes, moderate variability (6-25 bpm) is normal
• D. It indicates distress

Answer: (C)

Fetal heart rate variability reflects how well the fetus’s autonomic nervous system is functioning and how adequately the fetus is oxygenated. Moderate variability, defined as about 6 to 25 beats per minute, indicates a responsive CNS and good oxygenation, which is reassuring. This level of fluctuation shows the heart rate is not fixed and can adapt to the fetus’s needs, which is a sign of a healthy fetus. Very little or no variability can signal potential distress or hypoxia, while marked variability can occur with vigorous fetal activity or other benign factors, but the key takeaway is that moderate variability is considered normal.