Is an Increased Heart Rate in Pregnancy Early On Normal?
Due to the extra effort required to support a developing fetus in early pregnancy, the mother’s heart rate typically increases in the first trimester as blood pressure decreases. Although a heart rate increase in pregnancy is expected, and most women barely notice the difference, the extra stress on the heart can reveal underlying heart conditions in some women.
An increased heart rate in pregnancy early is often one of the first cardiovascular adjustments the body makes to support fetal development, but it should still be monitored closely. Given that cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of maternal death, recognizing the signs of a heart condition during pregnancy early is vital for a healthy and safe delivery.
Keep reading to understand why the heart rate increases during pregnancy, what’s normal, what’s not, and when you should contact your healthcare provider.
Why Does the Heart Rate Increase During Early Pregnancy?
The normal heart rate for females who are not pregnant typically ranges from 60-100 beats per minute depending on whether they are resting, exercising, or stressed. In early pregnancy, typically 2-5 weeks, the mother’s blood volume increases by almost 30-50% to support her body, organs, and the fetus [1].
Due to this increased blood volume, the heart rate also rises to pump it around the mother’s body and to the placenta for fetal development.
How Much Does the Heart Rate Increase in Early Pregnancy?
How much a woman’s heart rate rises during the first trimester of pregnancy typically depends on her pre-pregnancy heart rate. On average, studies have concluded that in early pregnancy the heart rate increases by approximately 10% or 7-8 beats per minute [2].
However, based on a woman’s baseline heart rate before pregnancy, medical experts also highlight that some heart rates may increase at a lower rate and some higher.
Your healthcare provider will typically check your heart rate and blood pressure during each prenatal check-up to ensure it is within the normal range.
Does the Heart Rate Increase Throughout Pregnancy?
When researching pregnancy and increased heart rate early pregnancy showed the largest rise with an average heart rate of 79 beats per minute. The heart rate typically continues rising in the second trimester and is known to increase by 45% at 24 weeks.
It was also noted that the heart rate can increase by 15% in a twin pregnancy compared to a single pregnancy [3].
For some, the heart rate continues to steadily rise as pregnancy progresses, culminating at an average of 87 beats per minute at week 40. However, after the second trimester, the heart rate was found to plateau in some women, while increasing or decreasing in others.
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Researchers and healthcare providers attribute the differences in heart rate increases during pregnancy to pre-pregnancy heart rates. Checking heart rates and blood pressure during each prenatal check-up is therefore vital in understanding each woman’s cardiovascular health [4].
Are Heart Palpitations Common in Pregnancy?
Described as a racing or pounding heart that feels like it’s beating too quickly, too slowly, or skips a beat - heart palpitations during pregnancy are common [5]. Heart palpitations are generally caused by the increased volume of blood in the body during pregnancy and the heart working harder to pump it where it needs to be.
Although heart palpitations can feel strange and alarming, they are usually harmless during pregnancy and subside after childbirth. That said, pregnant women experiencing palpitations with chest pains, dizziness, or trouble breathing are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Why Abnormal Heart Rates Occur During Pregnancy?
Besides heart palpitations which are common during pregnancy, some women find that they don’t fit into the ‘normal’ range of heart beats per minute while expecting.
Common causes of an abnormal heart rate during pregnancy can include the following: [6].
- When an underlying and undiagnosed heart condition before pregnancy becomes more apparent during pregnancy
- Exercising regularly before pregnancy and continuing during pregnancy can mean the heart rate is typically lower
- The heart rate may have been high pre-pregnancy and the added effort required from the heart during pregnancy highlighted it
- Anxiety or stress can increase the heartbeat and stressing about an increased heart rate can exacerbate anxiety making the heartbeat even faster
If you are pregnant and experience a resting heart rate of 100 beats per minute, blurred vision, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, extreme tiredness, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately.
How to Keep Your Heart Rate Healthy During Pregnancy?
To optimize your cardiovascular health and keep the heart rate within an acceptable range, female health experts recommend exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, keeping up with pre-natal exams, sleeping when tired, and managing anxiety with meditation or yoga. [7]
The Bottom Line
It’s normal for the heart rate to change during pregnancy, particularly early pregnancy, as the cardiovascular system works harder to pump extra blood to the uterus and growing baby. While some women barely notice these heart rate changes, others can find them worrying, and pre-existing heart conditions are also known to worsen during pregnancy.
Monitoring increased heart rate in pregnancy early can help detect potential issues before they become serious complications for both mother and baby. If you’re pregnant and your elevated heart rate feels abnormal, or you feel chest pain, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness, don’t hesitate to speak to your healthcare provider. Heart disease is a leading cause of maternal mortality when underlying conditions go undiagnosed.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic - Women and Heart Rate - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17644-women-and-heart-rate
- BMC Medicine - Trends of blood pressure and heart rate in normal pregnancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis - https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-019-1399-1
- National Library of Medicine - Serial study of factors influencing changes in cardiac output during human pregnancy - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2705548/
- National Library of Medicine - Adaptation of the maternal heart in pregnancy - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1467047/
- National Library of Medicine - Managing palpitations and arrhythmias during pregnancy - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2095764/
- Mayo Clinic - Heart Conditions and Pregnancy - Know the Risks - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20045977
- Mayo Clinic - Heart Conditions and Pregnancy - Know the Risks - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20045977
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Shop Now →What is considered a normal heart rate increase during early pregnancy?
During early pregnancy, a woman's heart rate typically increases by approximately 10%, or about 7-8 beats per minute on average, though this can vary based on her pre-pregnancy baseline heart rate. For example, if your resting heart rate was 70 beats per minute before pregnancy, you might expect it to rise to around 77-78 beats per minute. Your healthcare provider will monitor your heart rate at each prenatal visit to ensure it remains within a healthy range for pregnancy.
When should I be concerned about my heart rate during pregnancy?
You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience a heart rate consistently above 100 beats per minute at rest, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or palpitations that feel concerning or different from normal pregnancy symptoms. While some heart rate increase is expected and normal in pregnancy, these symptoms could indicate an underlying heart condition that requires evaluation. Because cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of maternal death in the United States, any concerning cardiac symptoms should be reported to your doctor promptly.
Does pregnancy-related heart rate increase affect all women the same way?
No, the amount of heart rate increase varies among pregnant women depending on factors like their pre-pregnancy baseline heart rate, fitness level, and whether they are carrying a single or multiple pregnancies. Women carrying twins, for example, may experience up to a 15% increase in heart rate compared to approximately 10% for single pregnancies. Your healthcare provider will establish what is normal for your individual baseline and monitor any changes throughout your pregnancy.
Can an increased heart rate in pregnancy reveal existing health problems?
Yes, the increased cardiovascular demands of pregnancy can unmask underlying heart conditions that may not have caused symptoms before conception. The extra stress on the heart during pregnancy may trigger symptoms or reveal structural or functional cardiac issues that require medical attention. This is why comprehensive prenatal care, including cardiovascular monitoring, is essential for identifying and managing any pre-existing conditions that could affect your pregnancy outcome.
How often should my heart rate be monitored during pregnancy?
Your healthcare provider will routinely check your heart rate and blood pressure at each prenatal appointment, which typically occur monthly in the first two trimesters and more frequently in the third trimester. If you have a history of heart conditions or experience concerning symptoms, your provider may recommend more frequent monitoring or consultation with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist or cardiologist. Between appointments, you should report any sudden changes in heart rate or new cardiac symptoms to your healthcare team immediately.
Is it normal for heart rate to continue increasing throughout all three trimesters?
Yes, heart rate typically continues to rise throughout pregnancy, with the largest increases occurring in the first and second trimesters, reaching approximately a 45% increase by 24 weeks of pregnancy. The increase may stabilize somewhat in the third trimester as your body adapts to the cardiovascular changes. Your healthcare provider will continue monitoring these changes to ensure they remain within expected parameters for your individual pregnancy.
What causes the blood volume increase that leads to higher heart rate in pregnancy?
During early pregnancy, typically in weeks 2-5, your blood volume increases by approximately 30-50% to support your growing body, vital organs, and the developing fetus and placenta. Your heart must pump this increased blood volume more frequently to ensure adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to both you and your baby. This physiological adaptation is one of the most significant cardiovascular changes that occurs during pregnancy.
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