During this time when you are pregnant, does your heart suddenly start beating faster and faster? Or does it suddenly feel like you missed a beat, like something is turning inside your chest, like a butterfly is flying? This is really not only for you, but also something that many mothers experience during pregnancy. It is normal to feel a little scared when you feel this. But most of the time, it is not something to be afraid of. So let's see what causes this, when to be afraid, and what to do about it.
What are heart palpitations during pregnancy?
Simply put, we're talking about how your heart beats so that you can feel it more clearly. Normally, we don't feel our heart beating. But at this time, you may feel that your heart is beating very fast, or that it's beating irregularly, like it's missing a beat, or like it's having an extra beat. For some people, this feels like something is beating inside their chest.
This condition is very common during pregnancy. Think about it, when you become pregnant, the amount of blood in your body increases by about 50%. So, your heart has to work harder than usual to pump this extra blood throughout your body and to the baby in your womb. This 'overtime' is what causes your heart to beat faster, and sometimes you may feel this kind of fluttering.
Most of the time, this heart palpitations are not dangerous and usually go away after the baby is born. However, very rarely, they can be a symptom of another underlying medical condition.
What symptoms are you experiencing?
This can feel different for each person. Let's look at some of the main ways it feels.
| How you feel | Simply a description |
|---|---|
| Fluttering in the chest | Some describe this as feeling like a butterfly fluttering in the chest, or like the heart is racing. |
| Irregular heart rate | It may feel like your heart skipped a beat, suddenly started beating faster and then stopped beating again, or it may feel like your heart stopped for a second or two. |
| Feeling like your heart is beating fast (Pounding) | The heart may feel like it is beating very loudly. Some people say they can hear this pounding sound in both ears. |
Why does this happen during pregnancy? What are the main reasons?
As we discussed earlier, the main reason is the increase in blood volume in the body and the heart having to work harder. In addition, there are a number of other factors that can affect this.
- Anemia: During pregnancy, anemia can occur because red blood cells do not increase at the same rate as the liquid part of the blood (plasma) increases. This is also a cause of increased heart rate.
- Anxiety and depression: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and the stress of thinking about the future can also cause your heart to beat faster.
- Caffeine: Caffeine, found in things like coffee, tea, and chocolate, can increase your heart rate.
- Certain foods: Some people may experience this condition after eating foods high in carbohydrates, sugar, salt, and fat.
- Dehydration: This is caused by not getting enough water and an imbalance of electrolytes.
- Extra weight: Weight gain before and during pregnancy also affects heart function.
- Hormonal changes: Major changes in hormones, such as estrogen, occur during pregnancy.
- Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): This condition can occur, especially in the first trimester.
- Hypotension: It is normal for blood pressure to drop slightly during pregnancy, and it can also affect the heart rate.
Other health problems to worry about
Very rarely, this heart palpitations can be a symptom of another underlying health problem.
- Heart rhythm problems (Arrhythmias) - for example (Atrial Fibrillation or Afib) .
- Thyroid problems - for example , hyperthyroidism .
- Structural problems of the heart, for example, heart valve disease.
- Very rarely, conditions such as myocarditis , an inflammation of the heart muscle caused by a viral infection.
How do you find this, Doctor?
When you tell your doctor about these symptoms, he or she will first ask you questions and listen to your heart. To rule out any underlying causes, he or she may perform a few tests, such as:
1. Blood test: A complete blood count (CBC) can detect things like anemia, infections, or thyroid problems.
2. ECG test (Electrocardiogram): This is a very simple, painless test. Several sensors are attached to your skin and record the electrical activity of your heart. There is no need to be afraid of having this done during pregnancy.
3. A Holter monitor: Sometimes your heart rate doesn't change during your ECG. If that's the case, your doctor will give you a small device that you can wear for a day or two, maybe a couple of weeks. This will continuously record your heart rhythm as you go about your day, and your doctor can review it later.
Is there a treatment for this?
Most of the time, normal heart palpitations during pregnancy don't require any special treatment. Unless there is an underlying medical condition, your doctor will likely tell you to make some small changes to your lifestyle and eating habits.
- Drink plenty of water: It is essential to keep the body hydrated during pregnancy.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking completely: These are very harmful to the baby and can also increase the heart rate.
- Reduce caffeine, sugar, and fat: Limit coffee to one cup per day. Reduce chocolate, sugary, and fatty foods as much as possible.
- Try calming techniques: When you feel your heart racing, take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. Things like meditation can help calm your mind.
However, if it is determined that the palpitations are caused by a heart condition, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is safest for you and your baby. Sometimes, medications such as beta- blockers may be prescribed. Your doctor will explain all of this to you.
When to seek immediate medical advice
Although this is usually nothing to worry about, if you experience one or more of the following symptoms along with your heart palpitations, you should go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
| Warning signs - go to a hospital immediately! | |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Chest pain or discomfort | ✔️ Difficulty breathing or wheezing |
| ✔️ Dizziness or lightheadedness | ✔️ Loss of consciousness or fainting (Syncope) |
| ✔️ Excessive swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet (Edema) | ✔️ Unusual or sudden extreme fatigue |
Don't forget to tell your doctor about this heart palpitations at your regular appointments so he can keep an eye on your condition.
Take-Home Message
- Palpitations are common during pregnancy. This is because the heart has to work harder due to the increased blood volume in the body.
- This condition can be controlled by simple things like drinking plenty of water, limiting caffeine, and keeping a calm mind.
- It is very important to inform your doctor about this at your regular clinic visits.
- If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fainting along with your heart palpitations, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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