Palpitations During Pregnancy? Here’s What You Should Know

Feeling an occasional heart flutter might not strike you as unusual most of the time if you’re generally healthy, but when you’re pregnant, heart palpitations can seem more alarming.

When your heart speeds up, skips a beat, or flutters, the phenomenon is called a heart palpitation. These can happen for many reasons. You might get an occasional heart palpitation from anxiety, dehydration, or eating too much. 

Board-certified cardiologist Jeffrey H. Graf, MD, addresses heart palpitations and other heart symptoms at his private practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. He can help you figure out why you have them and whether you need treatment. 

Heart palpitations are common in pregnancy, especially in the third and final trimester. In this article, we share what you need to know about them. 

What heart palpitations feel like

Heart palpitations during pregnancy can feel different throughout the day. You might feel like your heart is pounding extra hard or like your heart skips a beat. Some women describe a sensation like their heart is dropping or doing flips. 

When palpitations happen, make a note of other sensations you feel at the time. You might feel lightheaded or extra nervous, for example. Telling Dr. Graf about these symptoms can help him determine the most likely cause of your heart flutters. 

Heart palpitations can have many causes

Your body goes through immense changes during pregnancy as the baby grows. Your heart and blood vessels must adapt to the changes. 

You have about 50% more blood than usual at the height of pregnancy, so your heart works more than normal to pump that blood through your body. It beats harder and faster, which can lead to heart palpitations. 

Your heartbeat might also be faster or more irregular because of:

• Hormone changes in pregnancy
• Stress or anxiety surrounding pregnancy
• Anemia (too few red blood cells compared to the fluid volume of blood)
• Nutrient imbalances or dehydration
• Low blood sugar
• Low blood pressure

These problems are all common during pregnancy and are more likely to cause your heart palpitations than having a serious heart condition. 

If you are experiencing any heart palpitations, please be sure to first discuss them with your obstetrician. And if your doctor feels further investigation is necessary, contact Dr. Graf.

Most heart palpitations in pregnancy don’t need treatment

Occasional heart palpitations during pregnancy that aren’t linked to an underlying heart or thyroid condition typically don’t need treatment. The solution might be as simple as drinking more water to alleviate dehydration or limiting caffeine and sugar in your diet. 

Relaxation techniques like meditation or controlled breathing can help you slow your heart rate and feel more at ease. 

Regardless of whether heart palpitations are linked to an underlying condition, you should see your doctor regularly to monitor your and your baby’s health. Be sure to let your provider know if your heart palpitations seem to be getting worse. 

Experiencing heart palpitations during pregnancy can make you worry, but they’re usually harmless. When you’re concerned about your heart health, call our New York City office to schedule an appointment with Jeffrey H. Graf, MD.