Pulse

[Delfina]

Has anyone had a really high pulse rate during their pregnancies? Mine has steadily risen to about a resting rate of about 120. Sometimes it goes into the 130s and I can feel it throughout my whole body - chest pulsating, clammy feeling, altogether uncomfortable. My midwife and FP are a little worried about it, but haven't really done anything - I am not sure they know what to do. Has anyone else experienced this or know about it?? Thanks!!

[fromscatteredtribe]

mine was fine a week ago when my midwife visited here, but at target later that week on their blood pressure checker i noticed my pulse was 107. i didn't even feel that racy then and since have felt some of those same feelings you are. i'm hoping it is an accaptable pregnancy symptom but i don't remember feeling this way in my first three pregnancies. i have trouble even standing still, feeling breathless and my heart is pumping fast. i get results from the glucose tolerance test soon, maybe it has to do with sugars?? i'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers and if you find out anything about why please post.

[Babytime]

Not that I have noticed, although I have been told in the past that my pulse was very rapid. I was told that dehyrdation could cause a fast pulse. Make sure you are drinking enough and good luck! Keep us updated!

[NB Mom]

Throughout both of my pregnancys I had a rapid heart rate... 120 if I was sitting and doing nothing. I had to be careful it did not go above 170, which made it very hard to exercise :LOL My Dr told me that some women deveolpe a condition during pregnancy, and if my heart rate had reached 170 for any amount of time, he would have put me on meds. I'm really not sure what the condition is called, my advise is to keep an eye on it, and of course, always drink lots of water.

[Delfina]

Thanks for all of your advice. NB Mom, the only time it got close to 170 was when I was working out on the machines at the gym, so I have started swimming exclusively. It has helped keep the heart rate down. What did you do when you became uncomfortable from it spiking? I have been laying down on my left side, but it doesn't seem to do much....

[NB Mom]

Originally Posted by Delfina

What did you do when you became uncomfortable from it spiking? I have been laying down on my left side, but it doesn't seem to do much....

I always had to breath deeply, and focus on something calming. The deep breathing helped alot (practise the breathing you will do during labor )

[AnnMarie]

I did, but I also have had problems with that since I've been sick. With my 3rd child my OB was listening for the heart beat and I told her that it was my pulse and not the baby's and she didn't believe me. :LOL So she then checked my pulse and tried to find the baby's again. I believe it was in the 120's that day. She wanted me to go to the ER by ambulance.

It is very common to have a higher pulse during pregnancy, but it's usually nothing to worry about.

[Delfina]

Thanks for all of your advice and input! AnnMarie, I can't believe your OB was going to send you to the ER via ambulance for a HR of 120!! How did you get out of it?

[AnnMarie]

Originally Posted by Delfina

Thanks for all of your advice and input! AnnMarie, I can't believe your OB was going to send you to the ER via ambulance for a HR of 120!! How did you get out of it?

I don't know, maybe it was in the 130's, that was 7 years ago so I don't remember. :LOL I simply told her I wouldn't go, to let me rest on my side for a little while and I'd be fine and could drive myself home.

[Bunches]

Yes, I have also had a high heart rate (intermittently) during this pregnancy!! I am planning a homebirth with 2 midwives so we are just watching things for now. I had a consult with a family practice doctor and she also stated that I should keep an eye on it and probably not do anything about it unless it goes above 160. Its been up to the 140s but not any higher. Usually, it comes down with rest. It can be a pregnancy related symptom and usually resolves after the birth!!!!!