Why Does Your Heartbeat Feel Louder in Pregnancy?
Your heart works harder than usual during pregnancy because of the increase in blood volume. It has to pump almost 40-50% more volume of blood so that the heart rate may rise by 10–20 beats per minute. All of this happens to support your baby.This volume change can produce a strange sensation of hearing your own heartbeat more loudly, especially when you lie down.
Why Does the Heartbeat Get Louder When You Lie Down?
Is your body position responsible?In this article:
Does lying down change how you hear internal sounds?
When your head rests on a pillow, the vibrations from your heartbeat can travel through the pillow and amplify the sound. You may “hear” your heartbeat in your ears as a result.
Does pregnancy affect your blood vessels?
Hormones relax your blood vessels, which shifts more blood toward the heart when you lie down. Therefore, your heartbeat becomes more audible. It is not harmful most of the time, as your body is simply adjusting.
Could Increased Blood Flow During Pregnancy Be the Reason?
When you lie down, your heart pumps more forcefully due to a higher blood volume, leading to the following.- Blood returns to the heart more quickly
- The heart fills more
- Each beat becomes stronger
- Pulsing in your ears
- Light thumping in your chest
- A “whooshing” sound when you lie on one side
Can Anxiety or Stress Make Your Heartbeat Feel Louder?
Pregnancy leads to many emotional changes, and stress can make your heart feel like it is beating harder. Also, when you lie down, your surroundings get quieter. So, these sensations may feel more intense.Anxiety may be contributing to the sensation if you notice your heartbeat the most at night or when you are alone with your thoughts.
What Symptoms Are Normal and What Are Not?
Normal sensations may include- Slightly faster heartbeat
- Loud heartbeat when lying down
- Pulsing in the ears
- Mild breathlessness when changing positions
- Severe or sudden chest pain
- Heart racing over 120–140 beats per minute at rest
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath that worsens
- Swelling in the face or hands
- Persistent headaches
How Can You Manage a Loud Heartbeat When Lying Down?
Lying on your left side will improve circulation and reduce the pressure on major blood vessels.2. Elevate your head slightly
Use a higher pillow to reduce vibration.
3. Stay well-hydrated
Heart palpitations worsen when your body lacks water, so drink sufficient fluids.
4. Avoid heavy meals late at night
Your heartbeat may become louder if you have a full stomach, which may compress the diaphragm.
5. Practice slow breathing
Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6. This technique can calm your heart rate.
6. Reduce caffeine intake
If you consume tea, coffee, or cola, these beverages may contribute to palpitations; reduce consumption.
7. Maintain regular prenatal check-ups
Your doctor can monitor blood pressure, iron levels, and heart health during a routine visit.
How Can Your Partner Support You?
Emotional comfort is also a matter of concern during pregnancy. Share this concern with your partner or family to ease your burden. Ask them to sit with you or help you relax if loud heartbeats make you anxious at night.Support can improve your mental well-being and help you feel calmer, which reduces the sensation of a pounding heartbeat.
What To Do Next: A Quick Checklist
- Try sleeping on your left side
- Monitor your heart rate occasionally
- Note any new symptoms
- Reduce caffeine
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Drink more water or other fluids
- Schedule a check-up if something feels unusual
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Why Your Own Heartbeat Sounds Louder When You Lie Down Pregnant?
- Does a loud heartbeat at night mean something is wrong during pregnancy?
The reason is the change in blood flow during pregnancy. But inform your doctor if you also notice chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. - Can anaemia cause a loud or fast heartbeat in pregnancy?
Low haemoglobin can make the heart work harder to deliver oxygen, which can increase the heart rate when lying down. - Should you avoid lying on your back if your heartbeat increases in volume?
Lying on your back can compress major blood vessels in later pregnancy stages. Sleep on your left side, which is more comfortable and safer.
