Increased Heart Rate in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your heart works harder to pump blood for both you and your baby. This results in an increased heart rate, which is usually normal and healthy.

1. Why Does Heart Rate Increase?

• Blood volume increases by 30–50% during pregnancy.
  • The heart must pump more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
  • This causes the heart rate (pulse) to rise by about 10–20 beats per minute compared to pre-pregnancy.

2. When Does It Happen?

• The increase begins in the first trimester.
  • More noticeable in the second and third trimesters (24–28 weeks onward).
  • Many women may feel their heartbeat more strongly or notice mild palpitations.

3. Purpose of the Higher Heart Rate

• Ensures your baby receives enough oxygen and nutrients.
  • Supports the placenta and growing uterus.
  • Helps remove waste products (like carbon dioxide) from your baby’s blood.

4. What’s Normal vs. Not Normal

Normal:
• An increase of 10–20 beats per minute.
• Mild shortness of breath with exertion.

Seek medical advice if:
• Severe palpitations occur.
• Dizziness or fainting happens.
• Chest pain or shortness of breath occurs at rest.

5. How to Support Your Heart

• Stay hydrated.
  • Avoid overexertion; rest when tired.
  • Eat iron-rich foods to prevent anemia.
  • Practice gentle prenatal exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga.
  • Sleep on your left side to improve blood flow to the heart and placenta.

Summary

During pregnancy, your heart beats faster and pumps more blood to meet the needs of you and your baby. This is usually normal, but persistent or severe symptoms should be checked by your healthcare provider.