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I too experience these things. I was told on account of the increase of blood (50% more than normal) in your body and the work load of your heart, your pulse is heightened and you will experience shortness of breath - still is very crazy!

I am so relieved to read all of this! I am 12 weeks and have been experiencing a rapid heart rate and slight shortness of breath for the past 3 weeks, almost like I've been exercising! It feels worse when I'm lying down, then I start to feel anxious and cant sleep.

Here's something I read about it: Can pregnancy cause heart palpitations for no apparent reason? I have had a number of patients in my practice that had their first episode of rapid heart action and palpitation during pregnancy. This is understandable in that the state of pregnancy causes significant shifts in blood volume and also puts a new stress on the heart that may bring out a tendency for rapid heart action that was not manifest prior to pregnancy. After the pregnancy, the patient may not experience palpitations or may begin to see palpitations occur under other stressful circ_mstances. There certainly doesn't need to be anything wrong with the heart in order for palpitations to occur during pregnancy.

I had been experiencing a slight pain in my heart that felt like someone was poking it with a needle, plus I had the rapid heart beat and pounding pulse. I told my doctor about this and she listened to my heart and heard a murmur. She also said that I could have mitro valve prolapse. I have to get further testing to see. So if anyone is having any pains while their heart is racing, make sure you tell your doctor. Murmurs are very common during pregnancy and in women in general. Good luck!

K- wow, its interesting that you mentioned this. I was coming back into this thread to mention that last night I had a bad case of tachycardia (where your heart races for no apparent reason). It was really awful. I was just standing there and first I got skipped beats, then racing. The whole episode only lasted about 60 seconds but it scared me a lot. I really didnt like that at all, and I am kind of nervous now. As for palpitations, I think the hormonal rush, increased circulatory system, increased stress on the heart, and even the way your organs move around all can lead to heart palpitations in pregnant women. Would you agree?

I have the same problem for 2 1/2 years now. Im not overwieight and healthy as blood tests show, but always feel like mypulse races over 90 beats 1/2 hr to 1 hr after eating fruit or sugar treat, usually sucrose. I thought it was anxiety but its not and i have the same problem during ovulation, just before my period. need answers that medical pract_tioners cant give me, im out of options and i want to know the cause.

Just to add to my comment below - At my last appt, Dr said as long as it is below 140, it is normal (high, but normal for pregnant women) Remember, you have about 30% more blood running through you.

I am 33 weeks pregnant and I have had problems with a fast heart beat. It just so happens that my doctor sent me for an EKG and there is something odd about my heart, so dont take it lightly. There might be something wrong that isnt showing any signs except through your heart.

Oh, my goodness! Yes, I feel like my heart is going to come out of my chest sometimes. I was lying on the couch the other night (was there for quite a bit) and my heart just started to pound and race. I think my rate was like 90 bpm, which is way high for lying on the couch (I am usually 60 bpm sitting.) I told my OB about it and she thinks I should see my PCP and get an EKG and a 2D echo done of my heart to rule out any undiagnosed heart condition. She said it could also just be that I have more blood runing through my body, but that I should go get it checked out. It seems to be worse this last week, so I may do that. I am only 12 weeks and I think it has been going on for about 2-3 weeks. I am glad to see that I am not the only one experiencing this, though.

Wow i thought i was crazy i have been having a fast heart rate also and i am 23 weeks pregnant...it make me very nervous and will make it go even faster. My averages 85-110. mosty in the high 90's all day

Yes! I have the same problem.....Mine varies everyday though. But definitly always after i eat!My doctor said that aslong as it does not go over 120 that is normal...that does NOT include exercise where of course it will go higher. Sometimes even knowing that i get scared. Good luck and try not to worry about it because i noticed for myself that if i worry It will get even faster!

Oh, I feel so much better now. I thought I was starting to have problems because my heart was going so fast, and that just made me nervous and made it worse. I'm so glad it isn't just me.

My heart has been pounding a lot, and I only just found out that I am pregnant! It doesn't take much to set off. I am a post-open heart surgery patient, but I've had two other pregnancies since then, and didn't have this. Usually gets better if I sit down.

My pulse seems to be btwn 90 and 125 practically all the time; its disturbing. I am 27 weeks now, and worried about it.

I have had an increased heart rate as well. My ob sent me to a cardiologist. He has me on a heart monitor just to be safe. He said that it is very common in pregnancy. He also said that most woman have this who have the rate detected in pregnancy. He said that you can live your entire life with a racing heart. It does not affect you at all. If the heart rate is continually fast, you can be place on a beta blocker.

I have been reading this board my whole pregnancy. I am now 29 weeks and have experienced this rapid heart rate almost the entire time. I recently found out that I have a low hemoglobin from a lack of iron. This can cause the rapid heart rate as well as tiredness. I have increased my iron intake by choosing foods high in iron and it helps alot.