Summary
Variations in fetal heart rate variability during pregnancy may serve as early indicators of developmental risk, potentially interacting with postnatal environment to shape outcomes.
Methods
Longitudinal study from third trimester through 18 months
Key Findings
- Fetal HRV measured remotely during third trimester
- Low fetal HRV may indicate developmental vulnerability
- Parenting stress interacts with fetal HRV for outcomes
- Early autonomic patterns may predict later development
- Non-invasive monitoring increasingly feasible
Limitations
Complex interactions with postnatal factors
What This Means for You
Fetal HRV monitoring is an emerging field. While not yet clinically standard, it may eventually help identify babies who could benefit from early developmental support.
Source
Read the original paper in Scientific Reports ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-10