Statistically Significant Difference in the First-trimester Fetal Heart Rate between Genders?
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 weeks. 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
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