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Cerebrovascular response to normal pregnancy: a longitudinal study.
T K Bergersen1, T W Hartgill, J Pirhonen
1Ullevaal University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. kristin@kvinnesenteret.no
American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology
|December 13, 2005
Summary
Normal pregnancy does not alter cerebral autoregulation. However, the pressor response to stimuli like handgrip is blunted by week 36, likely due to a lower baroreflex set point.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Obstetrics
- Neurology
Background:
- Cerebral autoregulation maintains stable brain blood flow during physiological changes.
- Pregnancy involves significant cardiovascular adaptations, but its effect on cerebral autoregulation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of normal pregnancy on cerebral autoregulation.
- To assess changes in the pressor response during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 16 healthy pregnant women from gestational week 8 to 36 and postpartum.
- Continuous recording of internal carotid artery blood flow velocity, end-tidal CO2, and mean arterial pressure (MAP).
- Standardized hyperventilation and handgrip tests were performed.
Main Results:
- The vasoconstrictor response to hyperventilation remained unchanged throughout pregnancy.
- Mean arterial pressure increased during handgrip, without affecting cerebral blood flow.
- A blunted MAP response to handgrip was observed at week 36 of gestation.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy does not significantly impact cerebral autoregulation.
- A blunted pressor response occurs in late pregnancy, potentially due to alterations in the baroreflex set point.