What does fetal heart rate variability indicate?

Fetal heart rate variability is an important indicator of fetal well-being. It refers to the fluctuations in the heart rate of the fetus that indicate the nervous system's ability to respond to stressors, both internal and external. A healthy fetus typically exhibits a certain degree of variability, reflecting a well-functioning cardiovascular and nervous system. This variability is a sign of good oxygenation and overall health, suggesting that the fetus is not under significant stress or in distress.

In contrast, a lack of variability could indicate potential problems such as fetal distress or abnormalities, as it may suggest that the fetus is not functioning optimally. Therefore, assessing fetal heart rate variability is crucial in monitoring the fetus's health during pregnancy and labor, and when variability is present, it is indeed regarded as an indication of good fetal well-being.