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Understanding Elevated Heart Rate: Normal Increases vs. Warning Signs
Let’s examine why your heart rate increases, the expected rise, and the signs that indicate you should seek medical advice.Understanding Heart Rate Basics
The average normal heart rate at rest before pregnancy is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Resting heart rate refers to the number of beats your heart makes per minute when you are calm and at rest.When you are pregnant, your resting heart rate often rises by about 10–20 beats per minute. So, if your usual rate was around 70 bpm before pregnancy, it may go up to 80–90 bpm while you are expecting.
Why Does Your Heart Beat Faster During Pregnancy?
Your body is working hard to support you and your baby. The following are the key reasons why your heart rate increases naturally during pregnancy:1. Increased Blood Volume: As you enter the later stages of pregnancy, blood volume grows by approximately 40-50 per cent. This additional blood ensures your baby receives oxygen and nutrients through the placenta. To move this extra blood around your body, your heart has to beat a little faster and stronger.
2. Greater Cardiac Output: The total blood that is pumped by the heart each minute is termed the cardiac output. During pregnancy, your heart works 30–50 per cent harder. To achieve this, your heart rate increases so that both you and your baby get enough oxygen-rich blood.
3. Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones, such as progesterone and oestrogen, relax your blood vessels, allowing blood flow to increase. While this helps, it also means your heart must work harder, which can lead to an increased heart rate.
4. Supporting Baby’s Growth: Your unborn baby relies on your bloodstream. A slightly quicker heartbeat helps ensure the placenta receives a steady blood supply, keeping your baby well-nourished and oxygenated.
How Much Increase Is Normal?
Your heart rate may increase slightly to moderately, which is a normal physiological response during pregnancy. Generally, your heart rate can increase:- First trimester: Slight rise, often hardly noticeable
- Second trimester: Clearer increase of about 10–15 bpm
- Third trimester: Highest increase, sometimes up to 20 bpm above your pre-pregnancy level
When Should You Be Concerned?
Although an increased heart rate is usually harmless, there are times when it could signal something more serious, such as a resting heart rate consistently above 100–110 bpm.- Severe shortness of breath even at rest
- Chest pain or palpitations (feeling your heart racing or pounding irregularly)
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Feeling extremely fatigued despite rest
Tips to Manage a Faster Heart Rate During Pregnancy
Although an increased heart rate is a natural process, you can introduce certain changes to your lifestyle to cope with:- Stay Hydrated: To prevent dehydration, which leads to increased pounding of your heart, drink sufficient water during the day.
- Regularly Rest: Take regular rest. Do not work extra hard, and the body knows when to tell you when to stop.
- Healthy Food: Balanced diets rich in iron and protein, containing vitamins, help maintain healthy blood flow and prevent the heartbeat from quickening due to anaemia.
- Gentle Workout: You can walk, practise prenatal yoga, or engage in mild workouts, which improve blood flow and heart performance without overstraining your heart muscles.
- Limit Caffeine: Getting an overdose of tea, coffee, or caffeinated drinks makes your heart beat faster. Keep your intake moderate.
Most of the time, there is no need to worry. Still, it is important to watch your symptoms and talk to your doctor if anything feels unusual. By staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and managing stress, you can support your heart and your baby throughout pregnancy.
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FAQs on Why Heart Rate Increases Naturally During Pregnancy
- Is a fast heartbeat during pregnancy harmful to the baby?
Usually no. A mild to moderate rise in heart rate is normal and, in fact, it helps your baby get more oxygen and nutrients. Nevertheless, extremely rapid heart rates are to be examined by your doctor. - Does every individual experience a higher heart rate in pregnancy?
The majority of individuals observe at least a modest rise. The specific increase depends on the individual and changes with the overall health of the person, level of activity, and fitness before pregnancy. - Can exercise cause my heart rate to become too high during pregnancy?
Light exercise is safe and healthy during pregnancy. Nevertheless, once you realise that your heart is beating rather fast, and that you feel a little dizzy or breathless, then stop and rest. It is always important to consult your doctor before beginning or continuing work of any type.