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Can pregnancy hormones cause heart palpitations?

Understanding Heart Palpitations During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of profound change, not just physically but also hormonally. One common concern among expectant mothers is the experience of heart palpitations. These sensations, often described as a fluttering or racing heart, can be alarming, but they are frequently linked to the hormonal shifts that occur during this period.
The Role of Hormones
Hormones are essential chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions, including heart rate. During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, particularly with increased levels of progesterone and estrogen. These hormones can influence the cardiovascular system, leading to an increased heart rate and, consequently, heart palpitations.
Increased Blood Volume and Heart Rate
One of the most notable physiological changes during pregnancy is the increase in blood volume. A pregnant woman’s body can produce up to 50% more blood to support the developing fetus. This increase means that the heart must work harder, often resulting in a heart rate that is about 25% faster than normal . This heightened demand can lead to occasional palpitations, which are generally benign but can be concerning for those experiencing them.
Common Triggers
In addition to hormonal changes, several factors can trigger heart palpitations during pregnancy. Stress and anxiety, which are common during this transformative time, can exacerbate the sensation of a racing heart. Other potential triggers include caffeine intake, dehydration, and fatigue.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While heart palpitations are often harmless, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. If palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or if they last longer than 30 seconds, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. These could indicate more serious underlying conditions that require further investigation.
Conclusion
In summary, pregnancy hormones can indeed cause heart palpitations, primarily due to increased blood volume and hormonal fluctuations. While these palpitations are typically harmless, understanding their causes and recognizing when to seek help is essential for the health and peace of mind of expectant mothers. As always, maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can help manage any concerns during this unique journey.

Can lack of progesterone cause heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations (also known as tachycardia) are a result of hormone imbalances (low estrogen or progesterone) or increased sensitivity to things that no longer agree with your body, including caffeine, refined carbohydrates, aspartame, alcohol, or monosodium glutamate, all of which may overstimulate your heart.

Can postpartum hormones cause heart palpitations?

These serious conditions require immediate medical attention, so it is important to be aware of the warning signs. In some cases, postpartum heart palpitations have nothing to do with a person’s pregnancy. The timing is merely coincidental. But in some cases, they are the result of hormonal changes after pregnancy.

Why do I feel flutters at 5 weeks pregnant?

Quickening is when a pregnant person starts to feel fetal movement in their uterus. It feels like flutters, bubbles or tiny pulses.

Are heart palpitations a symptom of early pregnancy?

You might even be able to feel your heart beating in ways that you’re not used to. Heart palpitations are the sensation of your heart pounding, racing, or skipping a beat. While it can feel concerning in the moment, doctors say that this symptom is incredibly common during pregnancy.

What vitamin deficiency causes heart palpitations?

Another vitamin deficiency that can lead to heart palpitations is vitamin B12. Similar to a folate deficiency, a lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anaemia and thereby result in heart palpitations, per the ODS. Vitamin D is another supplement that can cause heart palpitations when taken in large amounts.

What are 5 warning signs of a possible problem during pregnancy?

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs:

  • Headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time.
  • Dizziness or fainting.
  • Thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby.
  • Changes in your vision.
  • Fever.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Chest pain or fast-beating heart.
  • Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away.

When to worry about heart palpitations?

If you’re experiencing what feels like frequent or prolonged episodes of palpitations, or you’re also having symptoms such as chest pain or dizziness when you have these episodes, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP.

How long do postpartum heart palpitations last?

This lowers your heart’s ability to pump blood to the rest of your body, which can be life-threatening. This condition affects people in the last month of pregnancy or up to five months after delivery.

What hormone imbalance causes heart palpitations?

Thyroid hormones control both the speed and the force of your heartbeat. Typically, if you’re having heart palpitations, this might indicate too high a level of thyroid hormones in your system. Excessive thyroid hormones, or hyperthyroidism, can lead to faster and more forceful heartbeats.

Can pregnancy cause an irregular heart beat?

Arrhythmias in pregnancy are common and may cause concern for the wellbeing of both the mother and the fetus. For some mothers the arrhythmias may be a recurrence of a previously diagnosed arrhythmia or the first presentation in a woman with known structural heart disease.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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