What is a Dangerous Heart Rate for a Pregnant Woman?

Tachycardia in Pregnancy: When a High Heart Rate Becomes Risky

Pregnancy can be a scary as well as an exciting experience. During pregnancy, your heart is not only pumping blood for you but also for your baby. Therefore, a high heart rate is normal. However, your heart rate should not be over 100 beats per minute. It can indicate dangerous situations or diseases.

Causes of High Heart Rate in Pregnancy

High heart rate, also known as tachycardia, can be a hassle. Although a high heart rate is common during pregnancy, a dangerously high heart rate is concerning. There are several causes for this. Let us discuss them below:

• Underlying Mental Conditions : Pregnant women go through various mental health changes. A common cause is anxiety and stress related to the baby. Expectant mothers often experience stress as they have to change their previous lifestyle. Moreover, anxiety related to the baby is common. It can cause a temporary high heart rate in pregnant women.
• Medical Conditions : Coupled with the stress and anxiety of the baby, certain underlying medical conditions can also cause the heart rate to increase. If you have a previous history of heart arrhythmia, pregnancy can amplify it. Other causes may include thyroid, anaemia and medications.
• Physical Changes and Complications : It is no wonder that a woman goes through significant physical changes during pregnancy. Your heart works faster during this time to meet the foetus's needs. Moreover, your blood volume increases 40-50%, which makes the heart work twice as hard. Additionally, hormonal changes also play a role in the higher heart rate.

Symptoms of a Dangerous Heart Rate

Here are the common symptoms you should watch out for during pregnancy if your heart rate dangerously soars above:

• Sudden Fatigue: Experiencing fatigue is common. However, if the feeling is sudden and unaccounted for, you should seek medical assistance.
• Fainting: Losing consciousness is not a good sign during pregnancy. Make sure to check it out and rule out any other complications.
• Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath is sometimes common during pregnancy, as the growing foetus pushes against other organs. A chronic breathing problem could be a sign of a dangerously high heart rate.
• Chest Discomfort: Get in touch with your doctor if you experience chest pain or discomfort during your pregnancy.  

Preventing a Dangerous Heart Rate During Pregnancy

You can prevent your heart rate from soaring dangerously high during pregnancy. Here are some tips to do so:

• Hydrate Yourself: Drinking enough water is crucial for the baby and your survival. Since your body needs extra fluids to support two lives, drink at least 3-4 litres of water daily.
• Avoid Nicotine Consumption: Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy can negatively impact your heart health. It can also harm the baby. Therefore, quit smoking.
• Relax: Pregnancy can make you feel stressed and irritable. Practising proper relaxation techniques is necessary. Take deep breaths and meditate. It can help ease your stress.

A normal heart rate during pregnancy can reach up to 90 beats per minute. However, rates crossing 100 bpm are dangerous at rest. Sustained heart rate >120 bpm or arrhythmias require urgent evaluation. Look out for the symptoms and seek medical advice immediately if necessary.