WHOOP ’ s ability to detect heart rate variability sets it apart from other devices , such as FitBit . To the best of the researchers ’ knowledge , this study is the first to use a wearable device to monitor heart rate data prior to , through , and after pregnancy .
Knowing how much someone ’ s heart rate varies over time can provide insight into their health . Generally speaking , the more someone ’ s heart rate varies , the better shape they are in . The research team provided WHOOP devices to women who were trying to conceive , including patients from the WVU OB / GYN clinic and the local community .
“ By enrolling women who exercise , we made the variable pregnancy as opposed to enrolling pregnant women and then adding exercise ,” Rowan said .
The researchers have analyzed the data associated with 12 of the participants who have since delivered their babies . The researchers continue to scrutinize the data , but so far , the preliminary results suggest that overall , women in the study were in better shape after giving birth than before they became pregnant .
On average , the participants ’ heart rate variability declined each trimester . It shot up again , however , once they delivered their babies , and it stayed elevated throughout — and even after — the six-week postpartum period .
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