Tachycardia in Pregnancy: When to Worry?

Heart Rate During 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. A resting heart rate above 100 bpm can be normal in pregnancy due to physiological changes. However, a persistently high heart rate, especially if above 110–120 bpm, or when accompanied by symptoms, should be evaluated by a doctor.

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.

What are the Symptoms of an Abnormal Heart Rate During Pregnancy?

The symptoms of an abnormal heart rate during pregnancy can differ based on whether the heart rate  is too slow (bradycardia) or too fast (tachycardia). 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.  

Symptoms of Bradycardia

• Fainting or near-fainting
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of Breath
• Confusion
• Chest Discomfort
   

Symptoms of Tachycardia

• Rapid or irregular pulse
• Chest Pain or discomfort
• Heart Palpitations
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Shortness of breath

How Is an Abnormal Heart Rate diagnosed During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a mildly increased heart rate is normal due to physiological changes such as increased blood volume and cardiac output. But severe or persistent symptoms that could point to an abnormal heart rate should be promptly evaluated by a doctor. In addition, regular prenatal check-ups are crucial for monitoring and assessing any cardiac issues during pregnancy.

To determine the cause of an abnormal heart rate during pregnancy, your doctor will evaluate symptoms, perform a physical examination, and may recommend diagnostic tests that are safe during pregnancy, including:

• An echocardiogram
• Stress testing
• Blood tests
• A Holter Monitor
• An electrocardiogram (EKG)

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: Most pregnant individuals need around 2–3 litres of fluids per day, depending on climate and activity level.
• 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.

During pregnancy, the resting heart rate usually ranges from 80–110 bpm, depending on the trimester and individual factors. 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.

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pregnancy‑related symptoms and heart‑rate variations can differ widely from person to person. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about your heart rate, experience unusual symptoms, or suspect any medical condition during pregnancy. Never ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.

Also Read:

→ What is a Dangerous Heart Rate for a Woman

→ What is a Dangerous Heart Rate

→ What is a Pacemaker of the Heart

→ What is CPR

→ What is Heart Failure