DIFFERENT EXERCISE MODALITIES DURING PREGNANCY AND THEIR IMPACT ON MATERNAL AND FETAL HEART RATE VARIABILITY

Zofia Bogiel; Antonina Machała; Andrzej Domański; Małgorzata Dziekońska; Klaudia Kowalczyk; Martyna Wójcik; Andrzej Wydrych

doi:10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4784

Authors

Zofia Bogiel National Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Warsaw, Wołoska 137 Street, 02-507 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5425-4906
Antonina Machała Independent Public Complex of Health Care Facilities in Płońsk, Henryka Sienkiewicza 7, 09-100 Płońsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3684-4579
Andrzej Domański Independent Public Complex of Health Care Facilities in Płońsk, Henryka Sienkiewicza 7, 09-100 Płońsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6041-8359
Małgorzata Dziekońska Independent Public Complex of Health Care Facilities in Kozienice, Władysław Sikorski 10 Street, 26-900 Kozienice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9597-6017
Klaudia Kowalczyk Independent Public Complex of Health Care Facilities in Płońsk, Henryka Sienkiewicza 7, 09-100 Płońsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6442-0589
Martyna Wójcik Scanmed Specialist Clinics – Rudolf Weigl Hospital in Blachownia, Sosnowa 16 Street, 42-290 Blachownia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6003-3474
Andrzej Wydrych Independent Public Complex of Health Care Facilities in Płońsk, Henryka Sienkiewicza 7, 09-100 Płońsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8466-2892

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4784

Keywords:

Heart Rate Variability, Pregnancy, Physical Activity, Autonomic Nervous System

Abstract

Introduction: Heart rate variability (HRV), reflecting autonomic nervous system activity, emerges as a valuable, non-invasive marker for monitoring maternal and fetal health. It correlates with psychological resilience, inflammatory balance and overall cardiovascular fitness. Although physical activity in pregnancy is widely recommended for its broad health benefits, studies describing its effects on HRV remain limited.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search on Pubmed and Medline databases, with 20 articles selected as relevant to the subject of the study. We included studies where HRV was measured in healthy women in singleton pregnancy who performed various exercise modalities. We excluded the studies where pregnant women took medication which directly affected the cardiovascular system.

Research objective: This review aims to synthesize current findings on how different types, intensity and frequency of exercise impact HRV in pregnant women and their fetuses.

Key findings: Existing studies demonstrate that low-intensity activities, such as yoga, effectively improve maternal HRV by enhancing parasympathetic tone. Aerobic and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) also contributes positively when practiced consistently. Research additionally suggests that regular maternal exercise positively influences fetal HRV, indicating better autonomic development and emotional regulation extending into infancy.

Conclusions: In conclusion, structured physical activity during pregnancy has the potential to optimize autonomic control in both mothers and their offspring. HRV monitoring may serve as a useful tool for individualizing exercise prescriptions, enhancing maternal-fetal outcomes and help shape future public health guidelines. Further research is needed to clarify optimal exercise protocols in pregnant populations.

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