Heart palpitations in pregnancy: why is your heart racing?

Feeling your heart thump even while resting can be unsettling. Palpitations are felt by many pregnant people and often reflect your body adapting to its new rhythm; it is still good to know when to contact a doctor.

Why does the heart beat faster?

Blood volume rises markedly in pregnancy, the heart pumps more blood each minute, and the resting pulse often goes up a little. Hormone changes, anaemia, dehydration, tiredness, stress and caffeine can add to the feeling. It may be stronger when lying down or getting up fast.

How to check your pulse

Find your pulse with two fingers on the inside of the wrist or the side of the neck and count for one minute. Measuring at rest, seated and calm gives the best comparison. Writing it down with the date and time makes it easier to show your doctor. Pulse differs from person to person; rather than fixating on numbers, watch for clear changes from your usual pattern and for accompanying symptoms.

8 tips that may help

1. Cut down on or stop caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks).
2. Drink plenty of fluids through the day.
3. Eat small, frequent meals; going hungry may increase palpitations.
4. Get up slowly from bed or a chair.
5. Breathe slowly and deeply, and rest for a few minutes to calm down.
6. Do regular light exercise (walking), as far as your doctor allows.
7. Look after your sleep; lying on your left side helps some people.
8. Do not use nicotine, herbal products or decongestants without asking your doctor.

If palpitations come with weakness and paleness, you may also like the articles on iron and anaemia and on shortness of breath and fatigue in pregnancy.

Harmless palpitations or a warning sign?

Palpitations that are brief, pass with rest and have no other symptoms are often due to pregnancy. Chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting or a very fast and irregular rhythm need a doctor’s assessment. Some conditions, such as thyroid problems and heart rhythm disorders, can also cause palpitations; telling them apart is for your doctor.

Keeping notes of your symptoms

When do the palpitations come, how long do they last and what are you doing when they start? Writing this down for a few days reassures you and helps your doctor find the cause. Note whether it happens after coffee, after a meal, on the stairs or at night. Add dizziness, sweating or weakness if they come with it. Take these notes with you to your appointment; if needed, your doctor may order simple tests.

When to contact your doctor

• Palpitations are frequent, long-lasting or do not settle with rest
• Your resting pulse is very fast or clearly irregular
• You also have dizziness, darkening of vision or weakness
• You have been diagnosed with a heart or thyroid problem before
• You have severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling
• For chest pain, severe breathlessness or fainting, call 112 (in Turkey) or your local emergency number

Frequently asked questions

Can palpitations harm my baby? Mild pregnancy-related palpitations usually do not affect the baby; if an underlying cause needs to be looked for, your doctor will assess it.

Do palpitations increase near the due date? They may be felt more in the last months because of the growing womb and higher blood volume.

Can I exercise? Light exercise such as walking suits most people. If palpitations bother you, take a break and ask your doctor.

Is coffee completely off limits? No; moderate intake is fine for most people. If you notice it triggers palpitations, cutting down is enough; ask your doctor about caffeine amounts.

This article is for information; do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about whatever worries you.