What could decreased variability in fetal heart rate indicate?

Decreased variability in fetal heart rate is an important clinical finding that often indicates potential fetal distress. Normal fetal heart rate patterns typically show fluctuations or variability that reflect the autonomic nervous system's response to various factors such as fetal movement, maternal activity, and uterine contractions. When variability is decreased, it can suggest that the fetus is experiencing stress, which may be due to factors like hypoxia (lack of oxygen), maternal health issues, or complications during labor.

In contrast, good variability typically indicates that the fetus is well-oxygenated and responding appropriately to environmental stimuli. Therefore, when decreased variability is noted, it raises concerns that necessitate further evaluation and potential intervention to ensure the health and safety of the fetus.