Causes of Palpitations in Pregnancy

Pregnancy changes blood volume and circulation, which can make the heartbeat faster or more noticeable, especially after activity or when lying down. Vomiting, diarrhoea, heat, or poor fluid intake can cause dehydration. Iron deficiency or other anaemia may leave you tired and short of breath while the heart works harder. Thyroid problems, low blood sugar, anxiety, caffeine, and some medicines can contribute. Less commonly, an irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation or a heart condition may be involved. The pregnancy stage, duration, rhythm, and other symptoms guide assessment.

Pause, sit or lie on your side, breathe slowly, and record what you felt and what was happening beforehand. Drink fluids regularly and eat consistent meals if your maternity team has not advised otherwise. Do not start iron, herbal products, or other treatment without checking that it is suitable in pregnancy. Contact your midwife, obstetric team, or GP about new or repeated episodes; they may check your pulse, blood pressure, ECG, blood count, thyroid function, and glucose.

Get emergency help for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse, confusion, new weakness, or a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat. Seek same-day maternity or medical advice if episodes are prolonged, keep returning, occur with marked fatigue or swelling, or follow significant vomiting or fluid loss. Mention any reduced fetal movement to your maternity team without delay.

Ask whether you need an ECG, blood-count or thyroid testing, which drinks and medicines to avoid, and how to distinguish expected changes from symptoms needing urgent review.