Why is my heart rate so high after giving birth?

Understanding Elevated Heart Rate After Childbirth
Experiencing a high heart rate after giving birth can be concerning for new mothers, and it’s essential to understand the various factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The postpartum period is marked by significant physiological changes as the body adjusts to the absence of pregnancy and the demands of caring for a newborn.
Physiological Changes Postpartum
After delivery, a woman’s body undergoes a rapid transition. The heart rate can increase due to several reasons, including hormonal fluctuations, blood volume changes, and the physical stress of labor and delivery. During pregnancy, blood volume increases significantly to support the growing fetus, and after childbirth, the body begins to return to its pre-pregnancy state. This adjustment can lead to temporary increases in heart rate as the cardiovascular system recalibrates.
Potential Health Concerns
While many cases of elevated heart rate are benign, some may indicate underlying health issues. One serious condition to be aware of is peripartum cardiomyopathy, a form of heart failure that can develop during the last month of pregnancy or in the months following delivery. Symptoms can mimic those of normal postpartum recovery, such as fatigue and palpitations, making it challenging to diagnose. This condition is particularly concerning as it can lead to significant morbidity if not identified and treated promptly.
Additionally, delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia is another condition that can arise after childbirth, characterized by high blood pressure and potential heart complications. This condition typically presents between 48 hours to six weeks postpartum and can also contribute to an elevated heart rate.
Emotional and Physical Stress
The emotional and physical stress of becoming a new parent can also elevate heart rates. The excitement and anxiety associated with caring for a newborn can trigger the body’s stress response, leading to increased heart rates. This is a normal reaction, but if the elevated heart rate persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, it is crucial to seek medical advice.
Conclusion
In summary, a high heart rate after giving birth can result from a combination of physiological changes, emotional stress, and potential health complications. While many new mothers may experience this as a normal part of recovery, it is essential to monitor symptoms closely and consult healthcare providers if there are concerns about heart health. Understanding these factors can help new mothers navigate the postpartum period with greater awareness and support.

How much should I be resting postpartum?

5 days in the bed
This is where you spend your first 5 days at home laying in the bed. You should focus on resting, skin-to-skin and bonding with your baby, breastfeeding, napping, reading and more resting! Ideally, your partner or support person will bring your meals and water right to you in your postpartum space.

How to slow down your heart beat?

Ways to slow a fast heart rate include: Vagal maneuvers. Simple but specific actions such as coughing, bearing down as if passing stool or putting an ice pack on the face can help slow down the heart rate.

What is a normal heart rate for a postpartum mother?

The median (3rd-97th centile) heart rate was highest on the day of birth, 84 beats per minute (bpm) (59-110) decreasing to a minimum of 75 bpm (55-101) 14 days postpartum.

How can I lower my heart rate after giving birth?

Treating Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
These medications include: ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors – Help the heart use the strength that it has to work more efficiently. Beta blockers – Cause the heart to beat more slowly so that it has a greater chance to recover. Diuretics – Help reduce fluid retention.

Is it normal to have a high heart rate after birth?

Because a person’s heart rate naturally increases during pregnancy, postpartum heart palpitations may be harmless. But they may be the result of something more serious. These causes include peripartum cardiomyopathy, postpartum thyroiditis, and postpartum depression and anxiety.

How do I slow down my heart rate back to normal?

Ways of lowering the heart rate include breathing and relaxation techniques, exercise, vagal maneuvers, dietary choices, and stress management. A person’s heart rate, or pulse rate, refers to how many times the heart beats within a minute. A typical resting heart rate for adults is 60–100 beats per minute (bpm) .

What causes high heart rate after delivery?

Because a person’s heart rate naturally increases during pregnancy, postpartum heart palpitations may be harmless. But they may be the result of something more serious. These causes include peripartum cardiomyopathy, postpartum thyroiditis, and postpartum depression and anxiety.

How long does postpartum hypertension last?

Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia (two common causes of persisting postpartum hypertension) usually resolve by 12 weeks. Beyond this period, clinicians should consider a secondary cause of hypertension, which can be found in up to 10% of cases,2 before establishing a diagnosis of essential chronic hypertension.

What are the signs of preeclampsia after birth?

Symptoms

• High blood pressure (hypertension) — 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater.
• Excess protein in your urine (proteinuria)
• Severe headaches.
• Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision or light sensitivity.
• Pain in your upper belly, usually under the ribs on the right side.

How long does it take for heart rate to return to normal after pregnancy?

Such physiological changes help to ensure the healthy development of the fetus [1]. Heart rate (HR) increases during pregnancy [2], whereas HRV parameters decrease; however, the values usually return to normal within a few months of the postpartum period [3-5].