Palpitation in Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Numerous physical and psychological changes occur throughout pregnancy! Along with the apparent symptoms, such as a growing stomach, there are some less noticeable ones. Heart palpitations are one instance. Heart palpitations during pregnancy can be common and harmless. Learn more about palpitations in pregnancy in this blog.

What are heart palpitations in pregnancy?

During heart palpitations, your heart may feel like it is racing, hammering, or beating too quickly. Your heart rate may increase, decrease, or skip a beat. Some people experience an extra heartbeat.

Your body's blood volume greatly increases during pregnancy. So, to circulate the additional blood throughout your body and the foetus, your heart must work harder, which causes heart palpitation in pregnancy.

Also read: How to Check Pulse Rate During Pregnancy?

How common are heart palpitations during pregnancy?

Heart palpitations during pregnancy are common. As women enter their third trimester, as the foetus continues to develop, it needs more blood as it grows to be healthy. Due to this, palpitations have become more prevalent.

You are more likely to experience pregnancy heartbeat symptoms if you have an arrhythmia or another type of cardiac illness before becoming pregnant. While you are pregnant, they could happen more frequently.

Symptoms of heart palpitations during pregnancy

Symptoms of heart palpitation in pregnancy are:

1. Fluttering

Some persons claim to experience a fluttering or flapping sensation in their chest. Your heart may feel as though it is beating rapidly.

2. Skipped heartbeat

An irregular heartbeat or a heartbeat that alternates between speeding up and slowing down are all symptoms of an irregular heartbeat. You might also experience a late heartbeat during pregnancy.

3. Pounding

Your heart may feel like it is pounding or working very hard. Some individuals who experience heart palpitations claim they can hear their heartbeat in their ears.

You may also like: Symptoms & Management of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Causes of heart palpitations during pregnancy

Various variables might impact your likelihood of experiencing heart palpitations in pregnancy. They consist of the following:

1. Anaemia (low red blood cell count)

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2. Depression and anxiety

3. Caffeine

4. Both electrolyte abnormalities and dehydration

5. Obesity and excess weight

6. Pregnancy-related hormonal alterations

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7. Low blood sugar

8. Low blood pressure.

Heart palpitations are less frequently brought on by a disease or problem, such as:

• Heart rhythm issues (arrhythmias), such as atrial fibrillation (Afib).

• Myocarditis is an infection-related inflammation of the heart muscle.

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• Issues with the thyroid, such as hyperthyroidism.

• Heart structural issues, such as valve dysfunction.

Diagnosis for heart palpitations during pregnancy

Your healthcare professional will inquire about your pregnancy heartbeat symptoms and check your heart. They might suggest a blood test to look for an underlying condition (complete blood count or CBC).

They might perform an Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) to keep track of your heart rate and look for cardiac illness. With sensors attached to your skin, this test calculates your heart rate. This test can be done without risk when pregnant. A lot of the time, an EKG misses heart palpitations. During the test, you might have a normal heartbeat. In such a situation, your doctor could advise an ambulatory electrocardiogram, such as a Holter monitor.

Treatment and management of heart palpitations during pregnancy

Heart palpitations during pregnancy typically don't need to be treated. Your doctor could suggest dietary and lifestyle modifications if they only occur seldom and are not caused by a heart ailment or other health issue. These consist of the following:

1. Increase Water Consumption

It's crucial to maintain hydration during pregnancy. So, your body requires more fluids to keep you and the foetus healthy. Avoid using tobacco and alcohol while pregnant. Alcohol and smoking raise the risk of fetal heart palpitations and injury.

2. Limiting caffeine, sugar, and fat

It is advised because these substances can exacerbate heart palpitations. Limit your daily coffee intake to one cup, and consume chocolate and other sugary or caffeinated items in moderation. Reduce your intake of foods heavy in fat or sodium (salt).

3. Practising Relaxing Techniques

If you're experiencing heart palpitations, try practising relaxation techniques. Take long, deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. You can also practice meditation and pursed-lip breathing.

Your healthcare professional will create a safe treatment plan for you and your foetus if you have heart disease or another health issue producing palpitations. The cause determines the different treatments.

How to prevent heart palpitations during pregnancy?

Heart palpitations during pregnancy may not be preventable, but you can reduce your risk. You ought to:

1. Avoid foods that are heavy in fat, carbohydrates, salt, or sugar, and maintain a balanced diet.

2. Get help if you're depressed or anxious.

3. Avoid drinking and smoking.

4. Limit your caffeine intake.

5. Keep a healthy weight.

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6. Try yoga or meditation. Additionally, to reduce tension, try breathing and other relaxing methods.

7. Visit your doctor frequently.

Conclusion

While heart palpitations during pregnancy are undoubtedly uncomfortable, they are typically not dangerous. However, it is still best not to disregard any pregnancy heartbeat symptoms; therefore, you should inform your doctor. Some treatments can support your child's and your health. Visit the MyloFamily website to learn more about parenting, baby care, and elderly care.

References

1. Adamson, D. L., & Nelson-Piercy, C. (2008). Managing palpitations and arrhythmias during pregnancy. Postgraduate Medical Journal,

2. Choi, H. S., Han, S. S., Choi, H. A., Kim, H. S., Lee, C. G., Kim, Y. Y., Hwang, J. J., Park, J. B., & Shin, H. H. (2001). Dyspnea and Palpitation during Pregnancy. The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine

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