Key result
Maternal physical activity during pregnancy showed inconsistent effects on maternal heart rate variability, but demonstrated a trend toward increasing fetal and infant heart rate variability.
Why the study?
Does regular maternal physical activity improve maternal, fetal or infant heart rate variability in pregnant women?
Systematic Review
Does regular maternal physical activity improve maternal, fetal or infant heart rate variability in pregnant women?
Regular maternal physical activity during pregnancy may increase fetal and infant heart rate variability, though its effect on maternal HRV remains unclear.
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Maternal PA may support fetal autonomic development; systematic review leaves maternal HRV effects unclear and warrants RCTs.
Dietz et al. (2016) conducted a systematic review in Pregnancy. Physical activity vs. Less active or sedentary behavior was evaluated on Maternal, fetal, or infant heart rate variability (HRV). Maternal physical activity during pregnancy showed inconsistent effects on maternal heart rate variability, but demonstrated a trend toward increasing fetal and infant heart rate variability.
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