Impact of Depressive Symptoms during the Second Trimester of Pregnancy on Maternal and Fetal Heart Rate Variability.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study explores how maternal depressive symptoms during the second trimester, a critical phase for autonomic nervous system (ANS) development, affect maternal and fetal heart rate variability (HRV) in the third trimester, with implications for infant development.

Methods

We examined the effects of second trimester maternal depression on subsequent maternal and fetal HRV. A cohort of women in early or late second trimester completed depression assessments using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and underwent HRV evaluations in the third trimester.

Results

Among 118 participants, 97 completed the EPDS at 14-20 weeks, with 12 showing depressive symptoms. At 21-28 weeks, 111 participants were assessed, and 24 were identified as possibly depress

SUBMITTER: Kim H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12264665 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature