Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: 1858-5051
High-impact research on the latest developments in medicine and healthcare across MENA and Africa
Statistically Significant Difference in the First-trimester Fetal Heart Rate between Genders?
Published date: Jun 30 2022
Journal Title: Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences
Issue title: Sudan JMS: Volume 17 (2022), Issue No. 2
Pages: 236–243
Authors:
Abstract:
Background: The study aims to establish the pattern of fetal heart rates in the first and second trimesters and determine whether there is a statistically significant difference in the first-trimester fetal heart rate (FHR) of males and females.
Methods: This retrospective observational research is a study of FHRs measured at 11+0–13+6 wk and 18+0–23+6 wk, and ultrasound scan-diagnosed fetal sex at 18+0–23+6 wk. Singleton fetuses with nonambiguous external genitalia were recruited. The FHR was measured in B or M mode with Pulsed Wave Doppler, while ultrasound appearance of external genitalia determined the fetal sex at 18+0–23+6 wk. Student’s t-test and Chi-square test were used for data analysis, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 2437 pregnancies meeting the study criteria were analyzed. The fetal sexes were 1398 (57.4%) males and 1039 (42.6%) females. There was no statistically significant difference in the first-trimester FHR between males and females (p = 0.74). However, females had higher mean FHR in both the first and second trimesters (First trimester: 165.4 ± 18.2 bpm vs 163.2 ± 17.1 bpm and Second trimester: 150.9 ±22.6 bpm vs 141.9 ±23.1 bpm). The FHR reduces with the increase in gestational age.
Conclusion: There is no statistically significant difference in the first-trimester FHRs between sexes.
References:
[1] Igbinedion, B. O. E. and Akhigbe, T. O. (2012). The accuracy of 2D ultrasound prenatal sex determination. Nigerian Medical Journal, vol. 53, pp. 71–75.
[2] Mehmet, S., Vehbi, Y. T., and Şebnem, A. T. (2019). An appropriate way to predict fetal gender at first trimester: Anogenital distance. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, vol. 32, no. 12, pp. 2012–2016.
[3] Ahankari, A. S., Myles, P., Tata, L. J., et al. (2015). Banning of fetal sex determination and changes in sex ratio in India. The Lancet, vol. 3, pp. e523–e524.
[4] Jylhä, M. E., Kirkinen, P. P., Puura, K. L., et al. (2010). Fetal sex determination: Obstetricians’ attitudes in antenatal screening units in Finland. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, vol. 38, no. 7, pp. 756–760.
[5] Bhide, A. and Acharya, G. (2018). Sex differences in fetal heart rate and variability assessed by antenatal computerized cardiotocography. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, vol. 97, pp. 1486–1490.
[6] Mediuw, D., Widiasih, R., and Napisah, P. (2019). Health technologies for detecting high risk conditions in pregnancy: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Care, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 202–222.
[7] McKenna, D. S., Ventolini, G., and Neiger, R. (2006). Downing gender-related differences in fetal heart rate during first trimester. Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 144–147.
[8] Sipahi, M., Tokgöz, V. Y., and Tosun, Ş. A. (2018). An appropriate way to predict fetal gender at first trimester: Anogenital distance. Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, vol. 32, no. 12, pp. 2012–2016.
[9] Bracero, L. A., Seybold, D. J., and Witsberger, S., et al. (2018). First trimester fetal heart rate as a predictor of newborn sex. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, vol. 97, no. 12, pp. 1486–1490.
[10] Genuis, S., Genuis, S. K., and Chang, W. C. (1996). Antenatal fetal heart rate and “maternal intuition” as predictors of fetal sex. Journal of Reproductive Medicine, vol. 41, no. 6, pp. 447–449.
[11] Fetal Medicine Foundation. (n.d.). London protocols. Fetal Medicine Foundation. Retrieved from www.fmf.org
[12] ISUOG Practice Guidelines. (2013). Performance of first-trimester fetal ultrasound scan. Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 41, pp. 102–113.
[13] Zavala, J. H., Myers, M. M., and Fifer, W. P. (2020). Assessment of autonomic function in the late term fetus. The effects of sex and state. Developmental Psychobiology, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 224–231.
[14] Aibar, L., Puertas, A., Valverde, M., et al. (2012). Fetal sex and perinatal outcomes. Journal of Perinatal Medicine, vol. 40, pp. 271–276.