Causes of high heart rate during pregnancy and safe ways to reduce it

Symptoms

A rapid heartbeat leads to the fact that the expectant mother begins to develop unfavorable clinical signs.
If this condition develops suddenly and is too severe, it can lead to a significant deterioration in the woman’s well-being. An expectant mother suffering from tachycardia often complains of severe dizziness. This symptom often appears when changing body position. If a woman abruptly gets out of bed, then “spots” begin to flash before her eyes, or she begins to see white circles before her eyes.

Headache is another symptom that begins to bother an expectant mother suffering from tachycardia. Its severity may vary. Usually, headaches constantly bother the expectant mother. In the evening, this symptom may intensify.

Some women begin to feel “fullness” in their breasts. Often this symptom appears in the middle or left side of the chest. Many women note that it becomes difficult for them to engage in even usual physical activity. They may experience an attack of rapid heartbeat even after cleaning the apartment or after climbing the stairs.

Increased chilliness of the skin can also be a consequence of impaired blood supply. An increased pulse causes the internal organs to not be fully saturated with blood.

The skin becomes pale. With severe tachycardia, when the pulse rises above 150 beats per minute, the woman’s nasolabial triangle area and the mucous membranes of the lips turn blue.

Causes

The main causes of heart palpitations during pregnancy are physiological changes in a woman’s body. In the early stages, hormonal changes occur against the background of increased secretion of sex hormones, which leads to stimulation of the heart muscle and the development of tachycardia.

Gradually, with the growth of the fetus and uterus, the volume of circulating blood increases, and the uteroplacental circulation appears. All this creates additional stress on the heart. In the later stages, when the child is already quite large, a displacement of the organs located next to him occurs. The position of the heart also changes to some extent, which may affect its functioning.

The cause of tachycardia may be other factors, namely:

• development of ectopic pregnancy;
• excess weight;
• severe stress, anxiety, fears;
• increased metabolic rate, leading to a deficiency of vitamins that are necessary for normal heart function;
• anemia;
• hypertension or hypotension;
• severe form of toxicosis;
• taking medications;
• allergies, bronchial asthma;
• thyroid diseases;
• infections and inflammations;
• abuse of caffeinated foods and drinks.

Increased heart rate tachycardia during pregnancy

Expectant mothers' heart rate increases. Before pregnancy, in a healthy woman this figure usually does not exceed 90 beats per minute . But literally a couple of weeks after conception, it becomes more frequent due to the gradual addition of load on the heart due to the growth and development of the fetus, a physiological increase in the volume of circulating blood. A serious hormonal shock is also important, as is an increase in the mother’s emotionality and sensitivity.

Causes of tachycardia

The pulse rate can increase to 140 if the woman lies on her back. The uterus with the fetus gaining weight puts pressure on the abdominal aorta, reducing the return of blood to the heart, so it begins to beat faster. The longer the pregnancy, the more pronounced this phenomenon is, called inferior vena cava syndrome . The deficiency of blood, and therefore oxygen, can become so significant that the expectant mother may experience a sharp lack of air, rapidly increasing dizziness, and even lose consciousness.

In addition to pregnancy, the cause of increased heart rate may be:

1. Increased production of thyroid hormones.
2. Infectious process, especially influenza, ARVI.
3. The use of certain drugs (for example, naphazoline, ginipral).
4. Increased or decreased blood pressure, heart defects.
5. Drinking coffee and tea.
6. Stressful state.
7. Tobacco smoking and drinking alcohol.

Manifestations of tachycardia during pregnancy

During the period of increased heart rate, the expectant mother may complain of weakness, dizziness, nausea, a feeling of heat, a feeling of “heart fluttering,” and lack of air.

Why is increased heart rate dangerous for pregnant women?

Most often, a short-term state of tachycardia does not affect the health of the pregnant woman and child. The only danger is in cases of sudden attacks with a heart rate of more than 140 per minute, as a result of which a woman can faint and be injured.

A constant significant increase in the mother's pulse is fraught with oxygen starvation in the fetus and a delay in its growth. This condition is also unfavorable for a woman, since all her tissues and organs are less well supplied with blood.

What to do with tachycardia

If the increase in heart rate is associated with the position of the pregnant woman on her back, then you should carefully and slowly sit down or turn on your side and take several deep, calm breaths. You should not stand up suddenly, as there is a high risk of fainting.

What to do if tachycardia has become a constant companion of the expectant mother:

• Normalize your daily routine. Periods of activity must alternate with rest. Night sleep – at least 8 hours.
• Correct nutrition. You should be careful about overeating. It is advisable to eat food in fractional portions with a break of 3-4 hours.
• Give up tea completely. These drinks can be replaced with compotes made from dried fruits or natural berries, chicory root.
• Avoid active physical activity.
• As prescribed by your doctor, you can take sedatives of herbal origin.

To exclude serious pathology from the endocrine or cardiovascular system, consultations with specialized specialists: an endocrinologist and a cardiologist are mandatory.

What affects heart rate in pregnant women?

From the very beginning of pregnancy, a woman's hormonal background changes significantly. Hormones produced during gestation have a huge impact on cardiac activity, and, consequently, the speed of the heartbeat. It is important to note that pulse is determined together with blood pressure, since these indicators are interrelated. In most cases, not only a change in pulse is observed, but also pressure surges.

Fluctuations in heart rate during pregnancy are caused by the following factors:

1. Gestation period. For the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimesters, as well as just before childbirth, normal values ​​may vary.
2. Multiple pregnancy. If a woman is expecting not one, but two babies, then the heart pumps double the amount of blood necessary for their life support. As a result, the heart rate increases significantly.
3. Changes in the position of the heart. Starting from the 2nd trimester, the enlarged uterus begins to put pressure on the diaphragm, thereby forcing the heart to work intensively.
4. An increase in blood volume, which increases by a maximum of 1.5 liters. As a result, the heart pumps more blood, which explains the high load on it.
5. Decreased lung capacity. In the later stages, the rise of the diaphragm leads to their compression, so in order for the body to have enough oxygen, the blood begins to release it in larger quantities.
6. Excess body weight.
7. Anemia. When the level of hemoglobin in the blood decreases, anemia develops, which often provokes tachycardia.
8. Stress. If a woman is subject to psycho-emotional stress and is regularly under tension, then she may develop a rapid heartbeat.
9. Drinking strong tea, coffee, alcohol. Smoking can also provoke attacks of tachycardia.
10. Lying on your back for a long time. With this position of the body, the uterus compresses the abdominal aorta, the blood flow becomes worse, and the heart beats faster.
11. Diseases that may worsen or develop during pregnancy. Among them are infections, heart disease, thyroid disorders, hyper- or hypotension, pathologies of the kidneys, liver, etc.

Is treatment necessary for high heart rate?

A pregnant woman must distinguish what is normal for her and what is a deviation. Perhaps you just need to calm down, lie down and rest and it will become easier.

Are you worried about your baby? There is no need to do this, your body is adapted to all the changes that occur, and therefore is protected from various negative influences. If a pregnant woman’s pulse even increases significantly to 140 beats per minute, the fetus does not experience this: the heartbeat is normal, hypoxia is not observed.

Dangerous! The expectant mother should be careful if, in addition to a rapid pulse, she begins to feel sick, feels weak, dizzy, or feels short of breath. .

In this case, it is necessary to be examined to determine the cause of the symptoms. Most often, the attending physician prescribes medications such as magnesium, potassium and vitamins. Also, be sure to tell your gynecologist about all your changes, he will carefully examine you, measure your blood pressure and decide what to do next.

What diagnostics are needed during pregnancy?

For a complete diagnosis of the body, the properties of the arterial pulse are examined using 6 indicators, measuring it:

1. Frequency;
2. Rhythm;
3. Filling;
4. Voltage;
5. size;
6. Shape (speed).

At each scheduled visit to the gynecologist, be sure to insist on a complete pulse diagnosis from a therapist or cardiologist. The frequency of oscillations of the artery walls may be normal (average value at rest 60-80 beats per minute), and the intervals between pulse waves may be different, characterizing such a pulse as arrhythmic.

Important! Even if you feel normal, an increased frequency or irregularity of the pulse is an alarming signal from your body. Inaction (especially with systematic pulse failures) can lead to serious complications during pregnancy.

Diagnosis of the body during pregnancy using the pulse allows you to determine the causes of possible disorders and, if necessary, select treatment. There are 5 main methods for studying pulse:

1. A sphygmograph is a professional device used in private clinics to obtain graphic images of the properties of the pulse. Allows you to conduct a complete diagnosis of the body by examining all the characteristics of the pulse.
2. ECG is a slightly outdated method, but it is safe and simple, and does not pose any threat to the health of the woman and the unborn child. It makes it possible to record the heart rate value and determine possible disturbances in the functioning of the heart.
3. Heart rate monitors can be considered screens for monitoring your heart rate online. They are great for constant heart rate monitoring during physical activity. Modern devices can be equipped with a clock, GPS modules, and heart rate monitoring alarms.
4. Palpation is a method of studying the properties of the pulse by finger palpating the superficial arteries. A qualified doctor can determine the characteristics of frequency, rhythm, filling, tension, size and shape of the pulse (not with the accuracy of a sphygmograph).
5. Cardiotocography (CTG) is a separate method for diagnosing the female body, widely used only during pregnancy. The principle of its operation is similar to a sphygmograph, only continuous heart rate reading occurs directly from the tone of the uterus and fetus.

We recommend purchasing a heart rate monitor for daily heart rate monitoring. You will be able to independently determine online the causes of increased heart rate. Light physical activity and exercise during pregnancy is beneficial. But they should be performed only in the therapeutic pulse zone; the heart rate monitor will monitor a safe heart rate, strengthening the cardiovascular system and eliminating the risk of overloading the body.

Normal heart rate for pregnant women at different stages

In a healthy person, heart rate fluctuates between 60-90 beats. There is no exact figure, since the heart rate is related to the individual characteristics of the body and can manifest itself differently in everyone. The pulse can change under the influence of various factors. In pregnant women, it can increase even in a calm state.

The normal pulse rate in pregnant women depends on the period of gestation. During the first weeks, this figure does not change and does not differ from the indicators of a healthy person.

But in the second trimester, due to the enlargement of the uterus and the development of the fetus, the pulse increases by 15 beats. In most cases, an increase is noticed at 26 weeks. During this period, the heart rate can exceed 110 beats.

After 30 weeks, the indicators return to normal limits. But, if a woman suffers from toxicosis, it can be observed from the very beginning of pregnancy.

Normal heart rate for pregnant women

During the gestation period, the normal pulse rate in pregnant women is about 110-115 beats/min. At some stages of gestation, these indicators may deviate slightly, depending on the specific intraorganic processes occurring in the physiology of the pregnant woman at a particular stage. After fertilization, the body begins to adapt to a new mode of functioning and prepares to provide the fetus with the necessary resources over the next 40 weeks.

The body now needs to function with double load in order to fully provide the baby with oxygen and nutritional components. Therefore, in this case, the pulse begins to increase, which is considered a completely natural reaction. In addition, toxicosis can affect heart rate. If a woman does not experience any discomfort in such a state, then there is nothing to worry about.

In the first three gestational months, the normal pulse rate in pregnant women is about 110 beats/min. If, when a woman is calm, there is a slight increase in heart rate, this may indicate increased stress due to pregnancy. Against the background of increased pulsation, blood pressure decreases. Vascular elasticity decreases, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of nutrients for the formation of placental structures and the fetus. When the vascular channels relax, pressure readings also drop, which is why the first stage of gestation is characterized by low blood pressure and an increased heart rate.

The table shows what your pulse should be.

By the beginning of the second stage of gestation, the vital and important fetal organs have already formed, so gradually the heart rate begins to decrease; a pulse of 85-90 beats/min is considered normal. But by 25 weeks, cardiac stress increases again, which leads to an increase in heart rate. By this time, the fetal cardiovascular system has already completed its formation, and in order for the baby to receive the necessary oxygen in full, blood circulation in the mother’s body increases again. That is why by the 25th week the pulse in the mother’s body increases to 120 beats/min.

The load on the heart increases greatly during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, as the baby grows rapidly and the volume of blood circulation increases. In addition, the pregnant body sets aside reserve reserves in case bleeding suddenly occurs during the birth process. In the 3rd trimester, pregnant women experience shortness of breath, swelling, and the heart rate at this stage is 110-135 beats/min. To exclude any complications, it is necessary to undergo regular gynecological examinations.

Low heart rate during pregnancy

Some women, on the contrary, have a low heart rate, but feel quite normal. Sometimes low bullets lead to fainting and dizziness. In this case, it is necessary to measure the pressure, which is usually low.

Although a low heart rate is rare, it can indicate serious heart damage, so it is important to consult your doctor promptly. . If a pregnant woman feels quite normal, she is recommended to lie down and rest to restore her pulse.

Urgent measures must be taken if a woman loses consciousness, is worried about weakness, feels very dizzy, and is also worried about constant nausea. In this case, the woman is hospitalized. The hospital uses the following types of examination:

If a pregnant woman feels quite normal, she is recommended to lie down and rest to restore her pulse. Urgent measures must be taken if a woman loses consciousness, is worried about weakness, feels very dizzy, and is also worried about constant nausea. In this case, the woman is hospitalized. The hospital uses the following types of examination:

• ECG.
• Monitoring.
• EchoCG.
• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland.

If a pathology is detected, a decision on treatment is urgently made.

Causes of increased heart rate during pregnancy

Tachycardia is a high heart rate. During pregnancy, this condition occurs quite often. The main reason for the increased heart rate lies in the physiological changes that occur inside the expectant mother. In a calm state, a pulse of 90 is usually observed. If a pregnant woman lies on her back, then the value can reach 140. This happens due to the fact that the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the abdominal aorta. As a result, less blood flows to the heart, and it begins to work harder.

Against this background, unpleasant symptoms appear that frighten, which leads to an even greater increase in heart rate. You should remain calm and control your breathing so as not to aggravate the situation. When the pulse is 90, the woman feels virtually no discomfort. But with an increase in heart rate, you experience shortness of breath, fever, dizziness, and a feeling of weakness.

How to measure heart rate correctly during pregnancy

You can measure your heart rate at home, on your own:

1. In a calm state, you need to sit down or lie down.
2. Place your middle or index finger on your wrist near the protruding vein.
3. When you feel the pulsation, turn on the stopwatch for one minute and start counting.

In addition to this method, you can measure the pulse in the cervical artery using the same method. Some modern tonometers simultaneously calculate the heartbeat along with the pressure level.

In the hospital, it is sometimes measured using an ultrasound or ECG of the heart.

It is necessary to measure heart rate only in a calm state.

How to identify the problem in time

Bradycardia leads to slight dizziness and even loss of consciousness. This type of arrhythmia includes a rate below 60 beats per minute. But if the expectant mother is an athlete and had a low heart rate before pregnancy, then there is nothing to worry about: in this case, this is a variant of the norm. Bradycardia is relatively rare.

Tachycardia is dangerous, even if it does not exceed the critical values ​​​​described above, but is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• deterioration of health;
• weakness;
• we cloud our consciousness;
• nausea;
• headache;
• shortness of breath not caused by physical exertion.

Sometimes tachycardia is not associated with pregnancy and the accompanying changes in the body. And it occurs as a result of ARVI (acute viral infection), against the background of an increase in temperature (even low-grade fever has a dangerous effect on the child, especially immediately before birth) due to intoxication. In this case, they fight the virus, and not the change in heart rhythm. The pulse level should be understandable even in a pregnant woman. Do not attribute sudden changes in heart rate to hormonal changes in the body.

In order to identify a dangerous pathology in time, the described symptoms are correlated with a possible rhythm disturbance and a parallel is drawn between the clinical picture and the current pulse rate.

To control heart rate, you need to know the places where the arteries pass close to the skin (where they can be easily felt). It is advisable that there are solid bone elements nearby (by pressing the vessels against them, it is easier to catch the vibrations of the walls during the pulse wave).

Places for pulse examination:

When it is too difficult to detect the pulsation of the arterial walls, heart rate is calculated based directly on the heart beats. To do this, find the left fifth intercostal space and at its intersection with a conventional perpendicular lowered from the middle of the collarbone, two fingers (middle and index) are placed on the same side of the body. At this point, the impulses of the apex of the heart are better felt.

Simplified algorithm: place your right hand under the base of the left breast, leaning slightly forward.

Because breasts are affected by hormones during pregnancy and their size increases, it is difficult to find the apex impulse. Therefore, preference is given to monitoring the pulse on the vessels.

If the peripheral artery was palpable before pregnancy (there are no congenital anomalies of its passage), and in the second half the pulse on it ceased to be palpable - this is an alarming sign. This situation is typical for severe swelling - one of the symptoms of gestosis (preeclampsia). It is necessary to tell the doctor about this and adhere to the recommendations prescribed by him (usually they do not include drug correction and at first are limited to diet changes).

Normal heart rate during different periods of pregnancy

The heartbeat of a healthy person is from 60 to 80 beats per minute. If we are anxious or active, our heart rate increases. In addition, it also depends on the time of day: at night it can drop to 50 beats per minute, and in the evening of a hard day it will increase to 90.

The pulse of many women increases slightly already in the first weeks of pregnancy. This does not happen, of course, because the heart already has to do double work - this is the body’s individual reaction to the inevitable hormonal changes.

“From the beginning of the second trimester, the heart rate of most pregnant women rises again, this time significantly: by 10 or even 15 beats per minute. From 26-28 weeks of pregnancy, the next increase in heart rate is observed - it can reach up to 110 beats per minute.

The pulse rate, of course, is not a constant value. So, if the expectant mother is healthy, lies on her side, in a position comfortable for her, then the pulse rarely exceeds 90. But the pulse quickens when the woman lies on her back: for an ordinary person this is sheer nonsense, but for a pregnant woman it is already a certain burden.

” The limit values ​​permissible for a pregnant woman in the second and third trimester during physical activity (not at rest!) are 140 beats per minute. It is not believed that this heart rate will harm the baby, but since each pregnancy is different, consult your doctor about this.

After 34 weeks of pregnancy, the pulse becomes slower. This is one of the signs of an approaching birth: many women note that shortly before the baby is born, they feel a sense of well-being: walking becomes easier, breathing becomes easier, and they may even experience weight loss. There are two reasons for the decrease in heart rate: firstly, another hormonal change in the body, this time gearing up for childbirth; secondly, the child’s intensive growth ends, and the woman’s body has time to “adapt” to new requirements.

However, an increase in heart rate (as well as a slowdown) can be not only the norm, but also a pathology

Heart rate in pregnant women

In general, increased heart rate is more common in pregnant women, especially at the very beginning of pregnancy during the first and second trimesters. In the third trimester it usually decreases slightly and becomes closer to normal. For many, the heart rate can reach 80–90 beats per minute constantly, practically without decreasing, so such readings are considered normal. The heart rate during pregnancy can be predicted in advance and is affected by the following factors:

• level of physical fitness. If a woman was involved in sports before pregnancy on a regular basis, then there is a possibility that she will be able to bear the load of the fetus more easily;
• age. In women after twenty-five years of age, the pulse during pregnancy is on average higher;
• weight, as well as the presence of other diseases and pathologies that can affect heart rhythm and blood pressure.

Additional reasons for increased heart rate and blood pressure during pregnancy include the large mass of the fetus itself, various stresses, constant strong emotional experiences, poor nutrition, and the development of any pathologies.

The norm in the early stages is always slightly higher, but it is worth considering that strong deviations should not be ignored. If your heart rate exceeds one hundred, it is better to immediately consult your doctor.

Important! If the expectant mother experiences hypertension or tachycardia, it is also necessary to check the condition of the fetus and make sure that there are no intrauterine pathologies. . Blood pressure also usually increases during pregnancy and may be slightly higher than 120 to 80

Often, mild hypertension during pregnancy becomes normal, but it must disappear after the birth of the child. If hypertension or tachycardia does not disappear some time after childbirth, you must be examined by a cardiologist.

Blood pressure also usually increases during pregnancy and may be slightly higher than 120 to 80. Often, mild hypertension during pregnancy becomes normal, but it must disappear after the birth of the child. If hypertension or tachycardia does not disappear some time after childbirth, you must be examined by a cardiologist.

In general, normal indicators for a pregnant woman can be presented in the form of the following small table;

However, in any case, with a high pulse, it is also important to pay attention to the general condition of the woman. Temporary deviations from normal values ​​can be considered an acceptable condition if there are no signs of illness

Is an elevated heart rate dangerous?

When there is a persistently elevated pulse, tachycardia will occur. If the indicators are constantly lowered, then bradycardia is diagnosed. If the rhythms are irregular, constantly falling and increasing again, then this condition is called arrhythmia. Such a clinical picture can be dangerous for both, both the fetus and the mother, since the causes of such failures may be associated with pathologies of the heart and other organs. Therefore, you must definitely contact a specialist to get the necessary help.

It is important to do blood tests in a timely manner

Very often, the pulse of pregnant women in the third trimester increases only during pregnancy; after the birth of the baby, the condition returns to normal, and tachycardic symptoms disappear on their own. But if the increase in heart rate reaches significant levels, then the pregnant woman may be bothered not just by ailments, but also by fainting, which is dangerous due to traumatic injuries. If you stay in this state for a long time, you can bring the body to a hypoxic state, which can lead to a delay in the development and growth of the fetus. And if a pregnant woman’s pulse is constantly at extremely low levels, then such a condition is fraught with spontaneous myocardial arrest.

Causes of high heart rate during pregnancy

From the moment when the future human being begins to develop in the mother’s womb, colossal transformations occur in a woman’s body. Its biological systems begin to rebuild, changing their rhythm in order to provide the embryo with ideal conditions for full growth and development. Therefore, when the expectant mother begins to feel an increased heartbeat, it scares her and she begins to worry about her baby. Her anxiety can only aggravate the condition, although in most cases the causes of high heart rate during pregnancy are the most trivial and do not require any medical intervention. Doctors even have a kind of norm for the level of increase in a pregnant woman’s pulse. If the heart rate does not reach the permissible limit, then the health and life of the fetus and the woman are not in danger.

What numbers can be considered high? If there are more than a hundred contractions of the heart muscle per minute (100 BPM - beats per minute), doctors are already talking about a rapid pulse or tachycardia. This indicator means that the heart is having a hard time maintaining an effective level of pumping blood through the circulatory system.

There are two types of this pathology. If an increased rate of contraction is observed directly in the ventricles, this clinical picture is called ventricular tachycardia. If the failure occurs higher, already in the upper heart chamber, supraventricular tachycardia is obtained. It occurs more often and is most gentle on a woman’s body, without bringing any special complications, but only if its symptoms, with accompanying manifestations, do not bother the expectant mother for a long time.

What are the main reasons for high heart rate during pregnancy?

• If a woman moves a lot and her body receives increased stress.
• Excess weight and excessive growth during pregnancy.
• If the expectant mother lies on her back for a very long time.
• Vitamin deficiency and deficiency of microelements necessary for the normal functioning of a woman’s body.
• Emphysema or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the gradual formation of a heart defect that develops on the basis of constantly arising obstacles to blood flow. With this pathology, a deterioration in tissue elasticity is observed, which is an obstacle to the normal rate of blood flow through the system. The main causes of the pathology are diseases of the pulmonary localization and smoking.
• The cause of a rapid heartbeat in a pregnant woman may be pathological tachycardia caused by the woman’s history of chronic diseases.
• Failure of metabolic processes. The thyroid gland is responsible for the level of metabolism in the human body. If she produces more enzyme than normal, this leads to a disruption in the woman’s natural metabolism. This moment is the starting point in increasing the heart rate. In addition to the thyroid gland, other malfunctions that affect the body’s metabolism can affect the level of heartbeat.
• Habits that do not fit into the rules of a healthy lifestyle (smoking, alcohol, etc.).
• Some medications can also cause tachycardia.
• The use of substances with a stimulating effect in the diet: coffee, strong tea, energy drinks.
• Any deviation from the norm in the structure of the upper chamber of the heart (unevenness or other defect) can cause a high pulse during pregnancy. Such defects weaken muscle tissue, while the load on the heart itself increases and it has to increase the pace of work in order to provide the body with the necessary amount of nutrients.
• Overeating, eating salty and fatty foods.
• A stressful situation leading to increased excitability of the nervous system.
• Nervousness and present state of anxiety.
• Anemia.
• Infectious or viral pathology, accompanied by high temperatures.
• Electrolytic imbalance in a woman’s body during the period of illness.
• Multiple heart diseases: Hypertension.
• Ischemia.
• Pericarditis is a pathological inflammatory process in the pericardial sac with primary damage to the visceral layer of the pericardium.
• Heart valve defect.
• Loss of artery elasticity.
• And others.

What is the normal heart rate during pregnancy?

During the period of bearing a child, fundamental changes in all processes and the functioning of organs occur in a woman’s body. This is necessary to ensure that the fetus receives the necessary substances.

Often expectant mothers experience palpitations and shortness of breath. The heart rate may also increase slightly during pregnancy, usually by no more than 10-15 units per minute.

From a physiological point of view, this is a normal phenomenon, but if the numbers significantly exceed the norm or do not reach the borderline values ​​and at the same time the woman feels dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, then this may indicate the development of serious diseases.

In this case, you need to consult a doctor and undergo the necessary examinations to prevent negative consequences for yourself and the child.

What does a high pulse mean?

An elevated pulse is a rapid heartbeat. Typically, when a rhythm disturbance occurs, the patient complains of:

• Instability of blood pressure. It can increase or decrease to extremely high or low numbers.
• Shortness of breath, lack of air.
• Discomfort in the area of ​​the heart and sternum.
• Cold, sticky sweat that appears along with a feeling of fear, and for no apparent reason.
• Manifestation of a distinct rapid heartbeat.
• Instability of cardiac function in the unborn child. The disorder can be seen on a CT scan. Fetal tachycardia and signs of oxygen starvation are diagnosed. An ultrasound can show disturbances in blood flow in the uteroplacental areas.

Main reasons for high values

In addition to physiological characteristics, an increase in heart rate can be caused by increased workload, excessive weight and growth of the fetus. In addition, there are a number of reasons that lead to pathological changes:

• Lying on your back for a long time.
• Avitaminosis.
• COPD, pulmonary emphysema.
• Tachycardia provoked by chronic pathologies of a woman.
• Metabolic disorders or thyroid disease.
• Having bad habits.
• Pathologies of the structure of the upper chamber of the heart, when any overexcitation can provoke an increase in heart rate.
• Blood loss, circulatory system disease.
• Taking medications that provoke the development of tachycardia.
• Poor nutrition, in particular abuse of coffee, energy drinks, and strong tea.
• Overeating, love of fatty and salty foods.
• Stressful situations.
• Anemia.
• Electrolyte imbalance.
• Heart pathologies, such as hypertension, ischemia, pericarditis, loss of arterial elasticity and heart disease.

How to reduce the rate

If the heart rate is constantly elevated, then it is necessary to identify the reasons for this. When no concomitant pathologies requiring immediate intervention are found, stabilization of the condition is recommended.

For this purpose they prescribe:

• Performing breathing exercises.
• Walks in the open air. Swimming or yoga, which helps normalize the functionality of the nervous system and vascular tone.
• Massage the carotid sinuses when attacks occur to quickly lower the pulse. To do this, you can easily rub the surface of the neck on the side in the area of ​​the carotid artery; the procedure takes no more than 10-15 minutes.
• Take plant-based sedatives, for example, motherwort, valerian, lemon balm, mint, hawthorn.
• Take vitamins to replenish all necessary substances, including potassium and magnesium.
• Adjust your diet and daily routine, and lose weight if necessary.

Why follow changes?

Each scheduled appointment with a doctor begins with the pregnant woman having her blood pressure and pulse measured.
A rapid heartbeat during pregnancy or too low will never go unnoticed by a doctor. You will definitely be asked leading questions or ordered an additional examination to find out the reason.[1] This is important, because the development of the fetus directly depends on the well-being of the mother. You can find out whether your heart rate is high or not from the table below.

Also find out what to do if homocysteine ​​is elevated during pregnancy.

Heart rate monitoring

Slow heart rate in pregnant women

1. Much less common in expectant mothers is a rare pulse called bradycardia. This is the opposite reaction when the state of pregnancy leads to a rare pulse. This usually happens in female athletes who were professionally involved in sports before pregnancy, and who have a trained heart that is accustomed to high power loads.
2. Bradycardia can also be triggered by chronic diseases, for example, dysfunction of the thyroid gland, kidney diseases, diseases of the circulatory system and a weakened nervous system.
3. With bradycardia, a woman suffers from nausea, a feeling of weakness in the body, attacks of dizziness, and even a stuffy room can make her faint.
4. If the heart rate drops below 40 beats per minute, complete cardiac arrest may occur, since the state of bradycardia is accompanied by a strong drop in blood pressure.
5. For unexpressed signs of bradycardia, the same measures are recommended to normalize the pulse as for tachycardia:

• it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle;
• moderate loads are allowed;
• daily exercise is recommended;
• A healthy, balanced diet is important;
• frequent walking, leisurely walks.

1. If bradycardia is severe, a cardiologist is in charge of treating the pregnant woman.
2. Special medications or, in special cases, surgery to install a pacemaker will help get rid of the disease.

Cardiovascular system during pregnancy

Pregnant women undergo complex body adaptations, including the cardiovascular system, that are necessary to protect normal physiological functioning, meet increased metabolic demands, and promote fetal growth/development. In addition to an increased heart rate, the heart pumps more blood throughout the body with each beat.

Pulse during pregnancy by trimester

• First trimester

During a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, the resting heart rate increases by 15-20 beats per minute, that is, it can be 105-110 beats/min. As with all major systems, the cardiovascular changes that occur during pregnancy are controlled by hormones. In particular, the level of progesterone and estrogen increases, which prevent premature uterine contractions and expulsion of the fetus. Changes in heart rate may begin in the first trimester of pregnancy.

• Second trimester

During this period, there is a general relaxation of smooth muscles along with dilation of the arteries. This change helps increase circulating blood volume while maintaining normal blood pressure. There is an increase in heart rate, which peaks in the second trimester.

By the fourth month of pregnancy, cardiac output (the amount of blood the heart pumps) increases by 30-50%. At this point, the pregnant woman may experience health problems, especially if hidden or sluggish cardiovascular disorders were previously observed.

• Third trimester

The period of maximum increase in cardiac output occurs at 28-35 weeks of pregnancy. By the end of the third trimester, after about 40 weeks, the volume of circulating blood increases by 40%-90% relative to the initial level, which leads to an increase in heart rate, which means a high pulse.

The heart now relies on a fairly large amount of blood to function, ensuring adequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients to both mother and baby. During the third trimester, these changes are critical to meeting the needs of a rapidly growing fetus, as well as preparing the woman for the work ahead. During labor, your heart rate increases dramatically, especially during contractions and in response to pain.

What to do if your pulse is abnormal

If a woman notices a low or high pulse, she needs to immediately see a therapist. He will conduct a diagnosis and, if necessary, refer you to a cardiologist for consultation.

If a pregnant woman has tachycardia, then she needs:

• stop drinking chocolate, coffee, strong tea;
• introduce more foods rich in potassium and magnesium into the menu;
• avoid stress and overexertion;
• limit physical activity;
• walk more in the fresh air;
• get a full night's sleep.

If compliance with the above rules is not enough to normalize the condition, the doctor may prescribe sedative medications, for example, Persen, Valerian, as well as vitamin complexes enriched with potassium and magnesium.

For mild symptoms of bradycardia, it is enough to adjust your lifestyle as follows:

• eat right and add black or green tea to your diet;
• do gymnastics and exercises; moderate physical activity will be beneficial;
• go out into the fresh air more often and walk slowly, preferably not alone;
• Get plenty of rest; you need not only sleep at night, but also during the day.

If the correct regimen does not help correct the pregnant woman’s condition, then the doctor may prescribe medications that stimulate cardiac activity. Among them are Eufillin, preparations with caffeine, atropine sulfate, potassium and magnesium vitamins.

It is important to understand that only a doctor can prescribe any medications to normalize cardiac activity; independent treatment is unacceptable. . Finally

Finally

In most cases, pregnancy is characterized by a slight increase in heart rate caused by changes occurring in the female body. The expectant mother needs to monitor her pulse from the 1st trimester until birth, so that if tachycardia or bradycardia occurs, immediately consult a doctor, since any change not only causes a deterioration in the pregnant woman’s well-being, but also negatively affects the baby. Under no circumstances should you prescribe medications to yourself, but it is necessary to adjust your lifestyle. To do this, you should give up bad habits, adhere to proper nutrition, spend more time in the fresh air, and avoid stressful situations.

Especially for – Elena Kichak

Symptoms requiring medical intervention

Physiological tachycardia in a pregnant woman is a variant of the norm, the body’s reaction to the changes that occur in it. This is the case only if the pulse does not go beyond the normal range and the woman is not bothered by other symptoms.

If the pulse is more than 115-120 beats per minute, you need to contact a specialist. It is better for this to be a false alarm than for a dangerous pathology that will not be detected in a timely manner. A cardiologist will examine the condition and may prescribe examination and treatment. Every pregnant woman should be aware of the symptoms that require immediate contact with a gynecologist, therapist or cardiologist.

• low or high blood pressure;
• feeling that the heart is jumping out;
• fear and cold sweat on the body;
• dyspnea;
• pain localized in the heart area or behind the sternum.

What to do if high pulsation is an isolated and short-lived phenomenon that is not caused by a dangerous pathology? In this case, you can handle it yourself. Our tips will be useful for this:

• provide access to fresh air;
• relax;
• drink a glass of water in small sips;
• We try to make our breathing even and deep;
• reduce the consumption of hot drinks and reduce the amount of food consumed;
• We introduce foods with micronutrients into the diet;
• We do not violate the schedule for taking potassium and magnesium if they were prescribed by a doctor.

For a pregnant woman, blood pressure and heart rate measurements should be carried out regularly. It would be good if these measurements were taken not only in the antenatal clinic during an appointment with a gynecologist, but also at home. For this purpose, a large number of compact and easy-to-use medical devices are offered that are intended for home use.

Main causes of high heart rate

Increases in heart rate can be caused by both physiological and pathological reasons.

As in the normal state and in the first two trimesters, in the third trimester of pregnancy the normal heart rate should be between 70 and 100 beats per minute. In this case, the indicator of 100 blows is considered the upper limit of the norm, acceptable in the case of light physical activity.

Heart rate indicators depend on various reasons. They can be physiological, caused by normal changes in the body, or pathological, dangerous for the body and requiring consultation with a doctor.

A high pulse during pregnancy in the third trimester can be triggered by elementary excitement. A woman worries, and often even fears, future childbirth, which provokes the release of the stress hormone cortisol into the blood. And it, in turn, leads to vasodilation and increased heart rate, increasing the load on the heart.

Physical activity can also cause an increase in heart rate, especially in large or multiple pregnancies.

The same thing happens if a woman gains too much weight - it negatively affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system, which is already under serious strain as the fetus grows.

A slight increase in heart rate may occur due to the frequent position on the back, which a pregnant woman is forced to take in the last months of pregnancy due to an overly large belly. The same condition is experienced by women lying in the maternity hospital “for safekeeping”. In this case, a frequency of 120 beats per minute can be considered a normal option.

Exceeding the normal heart rate at rest indicates the possibility of various disorders in the body and serious diseases. This may indicate tachycardia, kidney dysfunction, increased blood pressure, thyroid dysfunction, gestational diabetes and many other problems. Some of them can be very dangerous and serious, so a pregnant woman needs to be especially attentive to herself and monitor her health. If there is a consistently high pulse rate, it is necessary to undergo an examination in order to exclude pathological causes of this condition in the pregnant woman and begin treatment.

Why does high heart rate occur after childbirth?

After childbirth, the pulse may also be high, the reasons for this are:

• another restructuring of the hormonal system;
• active lactation;
• a consequence of complications during childbirth - for example, there was bleeding;
• recovery after incisions/ruptures of the perineum.

But an increase in indicators may also be associated with the development of pathological conditions: an inflammatory process in the uterus, suppuration of external or internal sutures, the development of acute mastitis due to improper breastfeeding, chronic constipation, intestinal dysbiosis while taking antibacterial drugs, increased blood pressure. These conditions must be diagnosed by doctors, and the woman is monitored until full recovery.

At home, a postpartum increase in heart rate is associated with disruption of the daily routine, sleepless nights, and emotional distress.

A high pulse during pregnancy can be a physiological phenomenon, but it is often a symptom of complex pathologies that occur secretly. A woman should be able to independently take readings, know the symptoms of deterioration of the condition and follow the recommendations and prescriptions of specialists.