Which factor is typically considered a sign of fetal distress during monitoring?

Decreased fetal heart rate variability is typically considered a sign of fetal distress during monitoring because it may indicate that the fetus is experiencing stress or has compromised well-being. Variability refers to the fluctuation in the fetal heart rate over time and reflects the autonomic nervous system's response, which regulates heart activity.

In a healthy fetal condition, there would be moderate variability, indicating good oxygenation and fetal well-being. However, when variability decreases, it could suggest that the fetus is not responding normally to internal or external stimuli, possibly due to factors such as hypoxia, acidosis, or other complications. Therefore, monitoring decreased variability can alert healthcare providers to potential problems, prompting further evaluation and intervention to protect the health of both the fetus and the mother.

Other factors like increased variability, consistent heart rates, or normal maternal heart rates do not typically indicate distress. Increased variability often suggests a well-oxygenated fetus, while a consistent heart rate can be a normal finding in certain situations. Normal maternal heart rate is a separate aspect of monitoring and does not directly assess fetal health.