A Scoping Review of Studies Reporting Heart Rate Variability Measurement Among Pregnant and Postpartum People Using...

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Physiological stress markers
• Wearable technology in healthcare

Background:

• Maternal mental health conditions are a significant factor in pregnancy-related mortality.
• 20-25% of postpartum women experience depressive and anxiety disorders.
• Stress impacts mood, cognition, and behavior, influencing mental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current science on wearable technology for heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring in pregnant and postpartum women.
• To summarize findings on HRV trends during pregnancy and postpartum.
• To examine the association between HRV, perinatal stress, and maternal mental health.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of six perinatal HRV studies.
• Utilized data from five fitness tracking wearables.
• Included studies with periodic or continuous 24-h HRV monitoring.

Main Results:

• Heart rate variability (HRV) declines during pregnancy and returns to normal postpartum.
• Associations between HRV and stress were inconsistent across studies.
• Postpartum HRV measurements accurately differentiated between postpartum depression and adjustment disorder.

Conclusions:

• Heart rate variability (HRV) shows promise as a biomarker for stress in pregnant and postpartum individuals.
• Further research is needed to standardize wearable HRV measurement methods in this population.
• Wearable HRV monitoring may facilitate early detection and intervention for maternal stress and mental health issues.