Is It Normal To Have A High Heart Rate When You Are Pregnant?
Experiencing fast heartbeats during pregnancy is not uncommon. A heart rate reaching up to 100 bpm (beats per minute) or above may be normal for most people. However, during pregnancy, the heart rate may increase by about 25%. This increase in heart rate may cause episodic heart palpitations in pregnant women (1) (2). It is referred to as tachycardia. One may report the symptoms of tachycardia as the feeling of pounding, racing, or fluttering. The heart has to pump more blood to compensate for doing the additional work of nurturing the baby and also providing the newborn with nutrients and oxygen. Other underlying medical conditions may also lead to fast heartbeats in pregnancy. Dr. Kimberly Langdon, a US-based obstetrician/gynecologist, says, “Palpitations are considered normal if they are not accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, activity limitations, or a resting heart rate of 120 beats per minute (bpm). Circulatory changes caused by increased blood volume and hormones can cause palpitations, but this is not a cause for concern. However, it is prudent to seek medical attention if it occurs frequently or is associated with any of the above symptoms.” Continue reading this post as we tell you about the causes of fast heartbeats when pregnant and how to manage the condition.
Causes Of High Heart Rate During Pregnancy
In addition to the physiological factors, several other possible aspects can cause a rapid heartbeat. Some of them include:
Changes in heart and blood flow: Your uterus requires more blood to supply enough oxygen and nutrients for the baby’s growth and development. As a result, your heart pumps around 30 to 50% more blood than usual (3). Therefore, the normal heartbeat, which is 60bpm to 80bpm, increases by 10bpm to 20bpm throughout pregnancy, and reaches the maximum around the third trimester (4).
Anxiety: It is normal to worry about your baby and your safety during delivery, and about the overall responsibility of carrying another life. Anxiety might cause an increased heartbeat (5).
Changes in the uterus size: The uterus increases in size to hold the growing fetus, and requires more blood supply for it (6). This leads to the heart working or beating more than usual to pump the extra blood to the uterus.
Changing breasts: The mammary glands start to function while you are still pregnant and prepare the body for breastfeeding. As the breasts expand and the tissues enlarge, the mammary blood flow also increases, which means the heart has to pump more blood than usual (7).
Medical conditions: Thyroid disorders (8), anemia (9), preeclampsia (10), and heart issues such as coronary heart disease and pulmonary hypertension could also stimulate heartbeat during pregnancy (11).
Other pregnancy effects: Weight gain, hormonal changes, and side effects of pregnancy medications may exert strain on the circulatory system, causing increased heart rate.
Lifestyle factors: Cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, exercise, and over-consumption of caffeine might also increase the heart rate.
Symptoms Of Fast Heartbeat In Pregnant Women
A fast heartbeat during pregnancy is accompanied by many other symptoms including (1);
Shortness of breath Skipped heartbeats or palpitations Dizziness or lightheadedness Episodes of fainting
If you experience these symptoms frequently, seek your doctor’s help. Your doctor will examine you thoroughly to check if they are regular pregnancy changes or not.
How Fast Is The Heartbeat Throughout The Pregnancy?
The heart’s functioning varies according to the trimesters, which also affects the heartbeat. The heart rate starts to increase from the 7th week, and it peaks by 10 – 20% by the third trimester. The stroke volume (amount of blood pumped from the heart) increases by 10% in the first half of pregnancy and reaches its peak around 20 weeks, and will remain stable until term (12).
Is Fast Heartbeat During Pregnancy Harmful?
For the most part, an accelerated heart rate is a sign of a healthy pregnancy. It shows that your body is working correctly to meet the demand for oxygen and nutrients needed by the developing baby. As long as other harmful symptoms do not accompany a rapid heartbeat, it may not be a concern. Dr. Langdon opines, “During pregnancy, women with known heart disease are more likely to experience pathological irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Palpitations would be one of the symptoms. Adverse fetal outcomes, such as preterm births, low-birth weight, and lung problems, can result from the persistence of this cardiac pathology.”
How To Deal With Fast Heart Rate During Pregnancy?
Although an increased heartbeat is a normal physiological process, you might adapt to some lifestyle changes to keep your health, and your baby’s in check.
Try to stay calm and beat stress by occasional intake of chamomile tea or aromatherapy. Get enough sleep at night regularly, ensure it is undisturbed. Practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
Drink enough water to remain well-hydrated.
Medical Treatment For Fast Heart Rate
Medications are not always the best line of treatment for accelerated heart rate and are only used in an emergency, under a doctor’s supervision. Anti-arrhythmic or beta or calcium channel blockers are commonly prescribed for tachycardia (heart rate more than normal) (13). Next, we answer a few commonly asked questions about accelerated heartbeat during pregnancy.
