A comparative study of cardiovascular autonomic function tests between second trimester pregnant women and non-pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Normal pregnancy has been documented to be accompanied by marked alteration in maternal circulation during the first and second trimesters. For adapting the cardiovascular hemodynamic changes during normal pregnancy, a well-controlled interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic system is very essential, failure of which may result in pregnancy-related complications. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate and compare the cardiovascular autonomic function tests (AFTs) between the second trimester pregnant women and controls. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by random selection of 67 s trimester pregnant women and 67 controls in the age group of 19-29 years. The cardiovascular AFTs were carried out. The statistical analysis was done using unpaired t-test. Results: During isometric handgrip exercise, the maximum rise in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and during cold pressor test, the maximum rise in systolic BP and maximum rise in DBP were significantly less in the second trimester of pregnancy than controls. There was significantly less increase in 30:15 ratio and E: I ratio of the second trimester pregnant women when compared to controls. Conclusion: The cardiovascular autonomic nervous activity was decreased in the second trimester of pregnancy when compared to controls.