The Effects of Pregnant Supports on Hemodynamic Responses during Postural Changes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate hemodynamic responses during postural changes of side and supine lying, in comparison to sitting. The last trimester healthy pregnant subjects (N = 12) were randomly assigned for casual wear (CW), pelvic band (PB), and pregnant pants (PP). Hemodynamic responses including heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), local blood flow, and perfusion around the ankle were measured at immediate, 1st and 3rd-min after wearing pregnant supports. The standing position induced higher blood flow and CO in the 3rd-min only in the PB Group (P<0.05); whereas, the CW Group showed higher DBP at the 1st-min and higher HR at the 3rd-min (P<0.05). The standing posture did not exert any hemodynamic changes in the PP Group. Side lying resulted in higher blood perfusion in the CW and PB Groups in the 1st-min (P<0.05), but not in the PP Group. Lowers SBP, DBP and HR during the 1st min appear in CW, PB, and PP (P<0.05) and in the 3rd-min in PP Group only. PB and CW resulted in higher cardiac work in the standing position in pregnant women. During side lying, all cardiovascular adjustments subsided with a further reduction with PP support. The PP support is recommended during the last trimester period.