A Study of Time Domain Parameters of Heart Rate Variability in Females in the Latent Phase of Labor and Postpartum Period in a Tertiary Care Centre of Central India

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy and labor are associated with significant autonomic nervous system adaptations that facilitate maternal and
fetal well-being. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive marker of autonomic regulation and provides valuable insights into
sympathetic and parasympathetic balance. However, changes in time-domain HRV parameters during the latent phase of labor and
the immediate postpartum period remain inadequately characterized.
Aim: To evaluate and compare time-domain parameters of heart rate variability in females during the latent phase of labor and the
postpartum period.
Methods: This observational study was conducted at Bundelkhand Medical College, Sagar, over a period of three months. A total of
100 healthy term pregnant women in the latent phase of labor were enrolled. HRV recordings were obtained during the latent phase
and repeated 48 hours postpartum. Time-domain parameters including mean RR interval, SDNN, RMSSD, NN50, and pNN50 were
analyzed and compared.
Results: Significant increases in SDNN, RMSSD, NN50, and pNN50 were observed during the postpartum period compared with
the latent phase of labor (p<0.001). Mean heart rate decreased significantly postpartum, indicating restoration of parasympathetic
activity. The findings suggest a shift from sympathetic predominance during labor to improved autonomic balance following delivery.
Conclusion: The postpartum period is associated with significant improvement in HRV parameters, reflecting recovery of autonomic
function after labor. Time-domain HRV analysis may serve as a useful tool for assessing maternal autonomic adaptations during the
peripartum period.