The sympathetic muscle metaboreflex is not different in the third trimester in normotensive pregnant women

Abstract

We compared sympathetic nervous system activation by muscle metaboreflex between pregnant women in the third trimester and nonpregnant women. We show that the sympathetic nerve activity and associated pressor responses to isometric handgrip and post-exercise circulatory occlusion are not different between third-trimester pregnant and nonpregnant women. These data suggest that unlike other reflexes (e.g., cold pressor test or head-up tilt), metaboreflex control is maintained in pregnant women.