heart palpitations

ariggins94

I have a higher heart rate in general when not pregnant. I seem to get more palpitations during pregnancy. I know this is normal, but it scares me when it happens. I am already anxiety prone and this doesn't help! anyone else have these? what do you do to slow down your heart rate and calm down? These are about to scare me to death

RussianMommy

have a bath, sit in a quiet room, music, remind yourself that nothing bad is going to happen. We all get racing hearts during pregnancy - its normal. It doesn't bother me though.

jeng329

I had them bad afterDS#1 was born.  Found out I had a thyroid problem, but it went away on its own.  

Im having them so bad this time, that I had m OB check my thyroid.  It's borderline.  Theydid say they are nothing to worry about during pregnancy, but they can be startling! 

nyki06

I freaked out having them during my last pregnancy too. Just keep reminding yourself that it's normal and try to do whatever you can to reduce anxiety if you think that's contributing. 

jeborer

I've had these too, but I have a heart condition that causes palpitations. it is really annoying though.

One thing I've always done when I get the palpitations (that I was taught to do when I was hospitalized) is val salva? I think it is. It just means bearing down while holding your breath. It works better while lying down too. Its not the most comfortable thing, but it slows your heart rate easily and you rarely have to do anything special except hold your breath for a moment.

Also, (PSA here), the heart condition I have can be fairly common and is not a huge deal. Most people don't even realize they have it until they are pregnant. So if you have palpitations ALL THE TIME, you can have this (it's called Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome) and is easily diagnosed with an EKG. It's easily cured too with a simple surgery if you have insurance, but you can't be pregnant when you have the procedure done. Anyway, it can cause complications and there is even a slim chance of death, especially during pregnancy when your heart is working harder, so if you have palpitations quite often, get it checked out so your doctors can watch you.