How should a fetal heart rate of 130 to 138 bpm with moderate variability be interpreted?

A fetal heart rate of 130 to 138 beats per minute with moderate variability is considered to be within the normal range, indicating healthy fetal well-being. Normal fetal heart rates typically range from 110 to 160 bpm, and the presence of moderate variability signifies that the fetus’s autonomic nervous system is functioning well. This reflects adequate oxygenation and neurologic function.

Moderate variability means that there are fluctuations in the fetal heart rate that are neither too minimal nor excessively high, demonstrating a reassuring response from the fetus to its environment. It essentially shows that the fetus is responding appropriately to various stimuli, which is a positive sign of its health.

Understanding these parameters is crucial for monitoring fetal health and progress during labor, and the interpretation of this data is fundamental when assessing the baby's condition. Therefore, the interpretation that this heart rate indicates sufficient perfusion and circulation to the fetus is supported by established fetal monitoring guidelines.