Heart rate variability as a proxy for fetal programming: The effect of maternal exercise

Kathleen M. Gustafson, Linda E. May, John J.B. Allen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Our research aim was twofold; a) to determine if maternal physical activity during pregnancy would influence the development of fetal cardiac autonomic control and b) whether HRV could serve as a sensitive indicator of fetal programming effects. Pregnant women with singleton pregnancies participated in a longitudinal study. Magnetocardiograms (MCG) were recorded during pregnancy and when infants reached 1 month of age. Metrics of heart rate (HR) and variability (HRV) were calculated from the R-R intervals. Fetal HR was lower and HRV higher in the Exercise group and this effect persisted into the infant period. We conclude that maternal physical activity can influence the development of fetal cardiac autonomic control and this may give offspring an adaptive advantage.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2014 8th Conference of the European Study Group on Cardiovascular Oscillations, ESGCO 2014
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages33-34
Number of pages2
ISBN (Print)9781479939695
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event2014 8th Conference of the European Study Group on Cardiovascular Oscillations, ESGCO 2014 - Trento, Italy
Duration: May 25 2014May 28 2014

Publication series

Name2014 8th Conference of the European Study Group on Cardiovascular Oscillations, ESGCO 2014

Other

Other2014 8th Conference of the European Study Group on Cardiovascular Oscillations, ESGCO 2014
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityTrento
Period5/25/145/28/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomedical Engineering

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