Age, body mass index, and weight gain do not increase sympathetic activity during pregnancy.

ABSTRACT

Associations between prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, maternal age, and basal sympathetic nervous system activity (SNA) in normotensive pregnant women have not been explored. Retrospective analysis of microneurography records from 74 normotensive pregnant women during their third trimester indicated that although pregnancy is associated with rapid weight gain, this does not influence SNA. There were also no associations between maternal age and SNA, but more studies are needed to confirm this interpretation. Novelty Neither age nor excessive weight gain appears to influence sympathetic activity during normotensive pregnancy.