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Fetal Heart Race and Maternal Cardiovascular and Catecholamine Responses to Dynamic Exercise
Author(s) -
Cooper Karen A.,
Hunyor Stephen N.,
Boyce E. Stewart,
O'Neill Maureen E.,
Frewin Derek B.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1987.tb00991.x
Subject(s) - heart rate , medicine , pregnancy , catecholamine , blood pressure , endocrinology , fetus , treadmill , biology , genetics
Summary: Fourteen women performed treadmill exercise for continuous 10‐minute periods at levels of 2, 3 and 4 mets in the second and third trimester of pregnancy and again postpartum. The percentage increase in heart rate in response to exercise was similar during pregnancy and postpartum while systolic blood pressure was increased only during pregnancy. Maternal plasma noradrenaline levels at peak exercise increased 64% (p < 0.005), 42% (p < 0.005) and 29% (NS) in the 3 studies respectively compared to resting levels at these times. Ten women experienced increased uterine activity during the exercise or recovery periods. Fetal heart rate was increased (p < 0.05) by exercise but this was independent of uterine contractions and plasma noradrenaline levels.