“What causes increased heart rate in a pregnant woman?”
In our last checkup my wife who is 7 months pregnant showed increased heart rate. What could be the reason behind the same? This is our first baby so we are both really nervous. Is it something serious or a normal episode in pregnancy?
9 Answers
I would suggest you ask your ob-gyn physician.
I think it’s a normal response to pregnancy, increased metabolic demands of growing fetus. Remember the baby depends on the mother for everything while in the womb.
Heart rate is one of the contributing factors to cardiac output (CO=SV x HR). During pregnancy, CO is increased (30%-50%) to support the placenta and growing fetus. Thus, HR is increased to maintain the higher CO.
Not knowing the details of your wife’s general medical or OB history, I would talk to your OB to get a more complete answer to your question.
In general, however, mild tachycardia (increased heart rate) is very common in pregnancy, especially in the later stages, is not dangerous and, in fact, is expected. It is usually caused by a combination of changes in blood volume distribution between the mom, placenta and baby, and a loss of capacity to increase the stroke volume of each heartbeat as the uterus rises out of the pelvis increasing intra-abdominal pressure and pushing the diaphragm up so the heart compensates the demand for increased output by beating faster.
In general, however, mild tachycardia (increased heart rate) is very common in pregnancy, especially in the later stages, is not dangerous and, in fact, is expected. It is usually caused by a combination of changes in blood volume distribution between the mom, placenta and baby, and a loss of capacity to increase the stroke volume of each heartbeat as the uterus rises out of the pelvis increasing intra-abdominal pressure and pushing the diaphragm up so the heart compensates the demand for increased output by beating faster.
Increased heart rates in women during pregnancy is likely normal as the blood volume rises to 40% above normal. Higher heart rate to enhance cardiac output is required to maintain a healthy environment for the baby and mother, especially in the third trimester. A new mother may have more anxiety and stress resulting in added increase in heart rate as well. Always ask your obstetrician to help you and your wife decide whether there is any reason for worry.
P.S., MD
P.S., MD
Juan P. Montoya
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
It is normal for a woman's heart rate to go up during pregnancy (she is feeding blood to 2 people now instead of just one). There are many changes that women go through during pregnancy and it should not alarm you. I would recommend seeking the OB-GYN that sees her and having them explain it to you in detail.
Being pregnant
She is providing blood to two bodies now. This is acceptable. Discuss with your obstetrician next visit.
Major increasing body changes occur with pregnancy that are mild during the first trimester and become more demonstrable by the third trimester. One major change is an increased heart rate that is a normal response to increasing demands for increased blood volume to mother and baby.
Blood volume is increased by the faster heart rate that can increase by 25% (normal 70 to 80-90 beats per minute). During pregnancy, the increased heart rate will increase cardiac output by 50-90% by the third trimester.
If the heart rate increases to greater than 100 beats per minute and especially associated with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting or coughing up blood; a physician should be consulted to rule out serious health issues.
Blood volume is increased by the faster heart rate that can increase by 25% (normal 70 to 80-90 beats per minute). During pregnancy, the increased heart rate will increase cardiac output by 50-90% by the third trimester.
If the heart rate increases to greater than 100 beats per minute and especially associated with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting or coughing up blood; a physician should be consulted to rule out serious health issues.
