NCC C-EFM Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Resource

A fetal heart rate variability of 6-25 beats per minute indicates moderate variability. This is an important aspect of fetal monitoring, as it reflects the autonomic nervous system's regulation of the fetal heart rate and the overall well-being of the fetus.

Moderate variability is characterized by fluctuations in the fetal heart rate that are neither too minimal nor excessively pronounced. These fluctuations are considered a reassuring sign, suggesting that the fetus is thriving and adequately oxygenated, responding well to environmental stimuli, and undergoing normal development in utero. In the context of fetal monitoring, moderate variability can often indicate the absence of significant fetal distress or compromise.

In contrast, other variability classifications denote different conditions. Minimal variability (less than 6 bpm) may raise concern about fetal well-being, signaling possible issues such as fetal hypoxia. Severe variability (greater than 25 bpm) can indicate potential complications and should be evaluated further, while absent variability (no fluctuations from baseline) is a serious sign and might call for immediate intervention as it suggests significant fetal distress. Therefore, recognizing moderate variability as a healthy sign for fetal monitoring is crucial for appropriate clinical assessment and decision-making.