Isometric handgrip (IHG) is used to assess sympathetic nervous system responses to
exercise and may be useful at predicting hypertension in both pregnant and nonpregnant
populations. We previously observed altered sympathetic nervous system control of blood
pressure in late pregnancy. Therefore, we measured muscle sympathetic nerve activity
(MSNA) and blood pressure during muscle metaboreflex activation (IHG) in normotensive
pregnant women in the third trimester compared with in healthy nonpregnant women …

• We compared sympathetic nervous system activation by the muscle metaboreflex 39
between pregnant women in the third trimester and non-pregnant women. 40• We show that
the sympathetic nerve activity and associated pressor responses to 41 isometric handgrip
and post exercise circulatory occlusion are not different between 42 third trimester pregnant
and non-pregnant women 43• These data suggest that unlike other reflexes (eg cold pressor
test or head up tilt), 44 metaboreflex control is maintained in pregnant women. 45