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A racing heart during pregnancy is normal due to the common physiological changes of this period in order to provide oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Thus, it is normal for the heart to beat faster, with an increase in heart rate being noted at rest, so that there is adequate blood flow for the woman and the baby.
It is important for the woman to be aware of the appearance of some associated symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, coughing up blood or chest pain, because in these cases the accelerated heart can be indicative of more serious cardiac alterations, and it is important to woman to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment to be initiated to promote her and the baby's he alth.
What can indicate
A racing heart is normal during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, when the baby is already more developed and needs greater amounts of oxygen and nutrients. In addition, the increase in heart rate can also be related to the emotion and anxiety for childbirth, for example.
However, in some cases, when there is an increase in heart rate and this is accompanied by some symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood or palpitations that last for a long time, it is important to investigate the cause so that some precautions can be taken. So, some other causes of racing heart in pregnancy are:
- Excessive caffeine consumption;
- Heart changes due to a previous pregnancy;
- Heart problems such as atherosclerosis or pulmonary hypertension;
- Reaction to any medication you are taking;
- High blood pressure;
- Changes in the thyroid.
It is important that before becoming pregnant, a woman undergoes a medical check-up to check her heart he alth and, in case of changes, she can take care during pregnancy and follow the doctor's recommendations. It is also important that the woman is attentive to any signs or symptoms associated with the increase in heart rate, and should go to the doctor if they are frequent so that the cause can be investigated.
These changes are more common in women whose pregnancy occurs after the age of 40, who are sedentary or smokers, who do not have an adequate diet or who gained a lot of weight during pregnancy. These situations can put even more strain on the heart, increase the heart rate and result in a heart attack, for example.
How to control
As in most cases the accelerated heart is normal, the doctor usually does not recommend any type of treatment, especially because the heart rate returns to normal after delivery.
However, in some situations, especially when the woman has other signs or symptoms or has already been diagnosed with heart changes, the doctor may recommend rest and the use of some medications to relieve symptoms and regulate heart rhythm, and it is important that they are used according to medical advice.
Furthermore, to prevent the heart from accelerating too much or the risk of developing other changes, it is important that the woman acquire he althy habits during pregnancy, practicing physical activity, avoiding the consumption of foods and drinks with caffeine and eat he althy.
