Fast Heart Rate in Pregnancy: Complete Guide
Noticing your heart beating faster or harder than usual is one of the more surprising early pregnancy symptoms, and it catches a lot of people off guard. In most cases it's simply your cardiovascular system adapting to the demands of pregnancy, but it's worth knowing what's typical and what warrants a call to your midwife or GP.
Why your heart rate changes
Pregnancy asks a lot of your circulatory system. Your body needs to supply blood not just to your own organs but to the growing placenta and baby too.
- Blood volume increases substantially over the course of pregnancy, so your heart has more to pump with every beat
- Your resting heart rate typically rises by around 10-20 beats per minute compared with your pre-pregnancy baseline
- Changes often begin in the first trimester and become more noticeable as pregnancy progresses
- Hormonal changes, particularly rising progesterone, also relax blood vessel walls, which affects heart rate and blood pressure
- You may become more aware of your own heartbeat (palpitations), especially when resting, lying down, or after mild activity — this is usually just increased awareness rather than a sign anything is wrong
Easing symptoms day to day
- Stand up slowly from sitting or lying to avoid dizziness linked to blood pressure changes
- Stay well hydrated, as dehydration can make your heart work harder
- Limit caffeine, which can make palpitations feel more noticeable
- Rest when you feel your heart racing, and avoid pushing through intense exercise if it triggers symptoms
- Practise slow, steady breathing if palpitations make you anxious — this can help calm both your heart rate and your nerves
When to get it checked
Most fast heart rate in pregnancy is harmless, but certain patterns need medical review rather than reassurance from home.
- A resting heart rate consistently above around 120 beats per minute
- An irregular heartbeat, or a heartbeat that feels like it's skipping or fluttering persistently
- Palpitations combined with dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or breathlessness that doesn't ease with rest
- Any new or worsening symptoms that feel different from your usual pregnancy palpitations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fast heart rate normal in pregnancy?
Yes, in most cases. Blood volume rises significantly during pregnancy, so your heart works harder to circulate it, typically pushing your resting heart rate up by around 10-20 beats per minute. Many people become more aware of their own heartbeat as a result. It's only a concern when it's very fast, irregular, or accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness or chest pain.
When should I worry about my heart rate in pregnancy?
Contact your GP or midwife if your resting heart rate is consistently very high (over around 120 bpm), if your heartbeat feels irregular rather than just fast, or if palpitations come with dizziness, fainting, chest pain or significant breathlessness. These combinations are worth having checked rather than assumed to be routine pregnancy changes.
Can anxiety cause a fast heart rate in pregnancy too?
Yes — anxiety and stress can independently raise your heart rate, and pregnancy hormones can make you more sensitive to this. It can be hard to tell whether a racing heart is physical or emotional in origin, which is one reason it's worth mentioning to your midwife rather than trying to self-diagnose; they can check your blood pressure and general health to rule out anything that needs attention.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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