What can be an indication of fetal distress during a sonographic evaluation?

Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns during a sonographic evaluation can be a significant indication of fetal distress. In a healthy pregnancy, the fetal heart rate typically exhibits a normal range of variability and consistent heart rate patterns. When deviations from this norm occur, such as bradycardia (a heart rate that is too low), tachycardia (a heart rate that is too high), or absent variability, these can signify that the fetus may be experiencing stress or distress, potentially due to factors such as umbilical cord compression, placental insufficiency, or other complications. Monitoring these heart rate patterns is a key aspect of assessing fetal well-being during sonography.