Fetal responses to induced maternal relaxation during pregnancy.

Full Abstract

Fetal responses to induced maternal relaxation during the 32nd week of pregnancy were recorded in 100 maternal-fetal pairs using a digitized data collection system. The 18-min guided imagery relaxation manipulation generated significant changes in maternal heart rate, skin conductance, respiration period, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Significant alterations in fetal neurobehavior were observed, including decreased fetal heart rate (FHR), increased FHR variability, suppression of fetal motor activity (FM), and increased FM-FHR coupling. Attribution of the two fetal cardiac responses to the guided imagery procedure itself, as opposed to simple rest or recumbency, is tempered by the observed pattern of response. Evaluation of correspondence between changes within individual maternal-fetal pairs revealed significant associations between maternal autonomic measures and fetal cardiac patterns, lower umbilical and uterine artery resistance and increased FHR variability, and declining salivary cortisol and FM activity. Potential mechanisms that may mediate the observed results are discussed.

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Author information

Author/s: DiPietro, Janet A (JA); Costigan, Kathleen A (KA); Nelson, Priscilla (P); Gurewitsch, Edith D (ED); Laudenslager, Mark L (ML);

Affiliation: Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States. jdpietr(-atsign-)jhsph.edu

Grants: AA013973 (Agency:United States NIAAA) ; R01 HD27592 (Agency:United States NICHD)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Biological psychology (Biol Psychol), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jan; vol 77 (issue 1) : pp 11-9

Dates: Created 2008/01/02; Completed 2008/03/11;

PMID: 17919804, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Data Interpretation, Statistical
Female
Fetal Monitoring
Fetal Movement - physiology
Fetus - physiology
Galvanic Skin Response - physiology
Heart Rate - physiology
Heart Rate, Fetal - physiology

Heart Rate, Fetal - physiology
Humans
Hydrocortisone - blood
Laser-Doppler Flowmetry
Pregnancy - physiology
Psychological Tests
Relaxation - physiology
Relaxation Techniques
Respiratory Mechanics - physiology

Associated Chemicals: Hydrocortisone (50-23-7)

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