Abstract

Background: Normal pregnancy is associated with substantial changes in the cardiovascular system which begins to change after the first trimester. Failure of these adaptations may result in pregnancy related complications like PIH, Preeclampsia and Eclampsia. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the cardiovascular autonomic function tests between First trimester pregnant women and controls. Method: A cross sectional study was done by random selection of 67 first trimester pregnant women and 67 controls in the age group of 19-29 years. The cardiovascular autonomic function tests were carried out. The statistical analysis was done by using Unpaired ‘t’test. Results: During isometric handgrip exercise the maximum rise in DBP, and during CPT the maximum rise in SBP and maximum rise in DBP, were significantly less in first trimester of pregnancy than controls. There was significantly less increase in the E:I ratio of First pregnant women when compared to controls. Interpretation and conclusion: The cardiovascular autonomic nervous activity was decreased in first trimester of pregnancy when compared to controls.

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