What is a key feature of early deceleration in terms of variability?

A key feature of early deceleration is that it is typically associated with a normal variability pattern. Early decelerations are often indicative of head compression during contractions, and this phenomenon does not usually signify fetal distress. When variability remains within the normal range, it suggests that the fetal heart is responding appropriately to the stimuli of contractions, and therefore, there is generally no need for intervention.

This understanding is essential in fetal heart monitoring, as normal variability is a reassuring sign of a well-oxygenated fetus. If a clinician observes early decelerations accompanied by normal variability, it reinforces that the fetus is likely coping well with labor and that close observation is adequate without immediate intervention.