Prenatal exercise and cardiovascular health (PEACH) study: impact of acute and chronic exercise on cerebrovascular hemodynamics and dynamic cerebral autoregulation

Abstract

These data represent the first assessments of dynamic cerebral autoregulation in pregnancy using a sit-to-stand. We used a randomized controlled trial to show dynamic cerebral autoregulation is not impacted by gestational age or by chronic exercise. However, there are larger decreases in blood pressure and cerebral blood velocity following sit-to-stand after acute exercise without adverse events. These data highlight the adaptability of the cerebral circulation during pregnancy to accommodate large changes in the cardiovascular system.