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Heart Rate Variability in Newborns From Diabetic Mothers: Clinical Application and Significance

Virginia Beretta1, Laura Cannavò2, Sebastiano Ravenda3

  • 1Neonatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Pietro Barilla Children's Hospital, Parma, Italy.

Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology : the Official Journal of the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology, Inc
|March 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) creates a high-sugar environment in the womb, potentially harming the offspring's autonomic nervous system (ANS). Autonomic nervous system (ANS) function can be evaluated using heart rate variability (HRV) measures.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

  • Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant pregnancy complication.
  • A hyperglycemic intrauterine environment poses risks to fetal development.
  • Autonomic nervous system (ANS) function is crucial for physiological regulation in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of a hyperglycemic intrauterine environment due to GDM on offspring ANS function.
  • To explore the utility of heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure for assessing ANS alterations in offspring exposed to GDM.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing heart rate variability (HRV) analysis to assess ANS activity.
  • Comparing HRV parameters in offspring of mothers with and without GDM.

Main Results:

  • Preliminary findings suggest a potential impairment of ANS function in offspring exposed to GDM.
  • HRV measures may serve as sensitive indicators of these alterations.

Conclusions:

  • The intrauterine environment influenced by GDM may negatively affect the developing ANS in offspring.
  • Further research using HRV is warranted to understand and potentially mitigate these effects.

Keywords:
autonomic nervous systemfetal programminggestational diabetes mellitusheart rate variabilitynewborn

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