WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Heart palpitations, a pregnancy symptom

Heart palpitations
You may feel like your heart is racing, fluttering or skipping a beat. As your body changes, your heart has to work harder to pump more blood to support your growing baby. 

This can cause you to feel your heart beating more strongly or quickly than you're used to. You might feel worried or anxious, but it's important to take a deep breath and try to relax.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
Heart palpitations are normal for many pregnant women and are usually not a cause for concern. 

Throughout your pregnancy, it's typical for these palpitations to ebb and flow, and they should gradually improve after delivery.
Prevent and care
In most cases, heart palpitations will go away on their own without treatment.
  • Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger palpitations. 
  • Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to reduce stress.
  • Consult with a healthcare provider if you experience frequent or severe palpitations.
Heart palpitations, the sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeats, can occur in some pregnant women, though they are less common, affecting about 20% of expectant mothers.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
While it's normal to experience occasional heart palpitations during pregnancy, it's important to make sure that you're not experiencing a more serious medical condition. 

If you're experiencing heart palpitations that are accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath or severe chest pain, call your healthcare provider right away. 

Your doctor can assess your condition and provide the appropriate guidance for your care.
Top Asked Questions
Why do heart palpitations occur during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and pressure on the heart from the growing uterus can lead to palpitations.

When are heart palpitations most likely to occur during pregnancy?

Palpitations can happen at any time during pregnancy but may be more noticeable in the second and third trimesters.

Should I be concerned if I experience heart palpitations during pregnancy?

Occasional palpitations are usually not concerning, but if they become frequent or severe, consult with a healthcare provider.

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All I Need to Know
K
Kyla
12 Oct 2023

Anybody experiencing heart palpitations??? I have SVT and an implanted heart monitor already, but I've been having a lot of heart palpitations lately. I'm not worried about it, just curious if anyone else is experiencing this?

2 comments
L
Leslie
Yes, I experienced that a lot during the first couple weeks of my pregnancy. I still get them But not as much
27 Mar 2024

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𝙼
𝙼𝚛𝚜. 𝙾𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚜♡🍓🫧
2 May 2023

I’ve been having really bad heart palpitations. I’ve been diagnosed with it for four years and it hurts so bad my heart is pounding. I’m having light cramps as well. Hopefully it’s implantation.

3 comments
T
Tashema
Wishing you all the baby dust hun I’m hoping mine is implantation too with all these other symptoms 🙏🏽🤞🏽👣🌈🥰
27 Mar 2024

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𝙼
𝙼𝚛𝚜. 𝙾𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚜♡🍓🫧
Thank you love sending you baby dust your way!🍼🧸✨
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mary
17 Apr 2023

My vagina feels heavy. And i feel heart palpitations like im having an anxiety attack. What can I do?

1 comments
A
Alexa
Go get in the tub and just relax breathe .. Talk to your ob about your heart palpitations ive been having them off and on im still here
27 Mar 2024

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Brittney
5 Mar 2023

Hey ladies 💓 I’m 16weeks and I’m experiencing heart palpitations my doctors say it’s normal but it’s so worrisome.. Has anyone else experienced this ?

10 comments
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🍹Jenni
I do sometimes when Im walking up the stairs or get up too fast.
27 Mar 2024

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Brittney
Okayyy I was so nervous even though they told me I was fine
27 Mar 2024

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Skylar
30 Jan 2023

Anybody have really bad heart palpitations? I had em before bein pregnant but they seem so much worse now.

4 comments
R
Rika
Yessss me! Idk if it’s my anxiety or what!
27 Mar 2024

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Skylar
It's very concerning to me. It's mostly at night too!
27 Mar 2024

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Sarah
13 Dec 2022

I've had about 3 or 4 instances of heart pounding out of no where and heart rate of around 106 resting. Each lasting about 4 minutes. Doing research it says these can be heart palpitations and can be normal in pregnancy. I've had 2 other pregnancies and this had never happened. Has it happened to anyone else?

4 comments
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Sarah
I'm calling my doctor tomorrow to make sure it's ok and nothing to worry about! It's kind of unsettling
27 Mar 2024

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C
Chelsey
I started having this with my 3rd pregnancy and never had it with the first 2. Doctor was never concerned. Pregnant with #4 now and haven’t had it yet
27 Mar 2024

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E
Erica
22 Oct 2022

Just had the craziest heart palpitations! This felt like a heart droppin feeling. Anyone else battle with that? And racing heart during their pregnancy? 😞

8 comments
F
Famta
Literally had this happen a few times to me. It even happen when I laid flat in the bed before. I don't know exactly what it's about but it kind of had me paranoid. I did hear it could possibly be the amount of extra blood pumping through our bodies while carrying our babies, but idk
27 Mar 2024

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E
Erica
Wooow I’m glad I’m not alone!! You felt the heart drop? Or racing?
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
15 Sep 2022

Dont know if this is triggering... I was in the er yesterday for heart palpitations....then ended up thinking i may have a clot in my lungs. Turns out its such a small chance they didnt even prescribe anything. But now i think my heart palpitations are scaring me more because now i dont know what it could be. I was calm about it till my drs started to worry. Now i feel like they are worse.

7 comments
S
Sydney
Go back to the hospital if you don’t feel right! Make sure you make yourself very clear about how bad you feel. You have the right to get help, you know your body best! Hope all works out! Prayers and love to you! 💕
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kyra
It's scary but heart palpitations are VERY common in pregnancy due to increased blood flow 🙏 for you and baby
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
6 Sep 2022

Baby is kicking lots and lots. But these heart palpitations are driving me nuts. Anyone else have them?

6 comments
B
Blocked user
Yup your not alone
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
I used to get them in college when i was stressed but these happening along side being kicked feels like my body is fighting a battle like lord of the rings in there. 😂
27 Mar 2024

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Lexxy
30 Aug 2022

Anyone has heart palpitations during pregnancy. It feels so weird like a sudden flutter then I get all nervous !

5 comments
A
Amari
I felt that way alll the time when my iron was low and kinda dizzy like I needed to lay down
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amari
I’m super anemic so I need 2 doses of iron a day😂
27 Mar 2024

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