Hi lwillia1.
I would suggest you buy one of those at home blood pressure heart beat machines. I suffered from irregular heart beats at the end of pregnancy. I was diagnosed with atrial flutter and had irregular heartbeats as well. If you think something is wrong go to the emergency room. I was a healthy 26 year old before this started. I hadn't had issues like this with my first pregnancy. My cardiologist told me it may go away after I had the baby. But 8 months later I'm still on heart meds and had a ablation procedure done to my heart and have to get it done again. If you continue to have these problems I suggest to go to the ER. My heart acted up off and on. Sometimes when I went to the ER they sent me home since the EKG didnt catch it.But I wish you the best of luck and a happy delivery.
Hi!
I doubt that a cardiologist would have much more to offer you. It is quite common to have an elevated resting heart rate in pregnancy. Very soon after conception, the blood volume increases to 150% of normal, so the heart is now working at 150% capacity.
Even slight increases in exercise will cause an increase in the heart beat and shortness of breath. It is also common for the hard working heart to miss a beat every now and then--these irregular beats are usually premature atrial contractions, but could also be premature ventricular contractions--to me, it felt like my heart was beating upside down sometimes.
If you were my patient, I would probably do an EKG, holter and echo ( you've had all of these done ). If all of those were normal, I would chalk it up to the pregnancy.
I would also suggest that you have your thyroid tested, that you drink plenty of fluids to avoid being dehydrated, that you avoid caffeine, and any undue stress.
Most of the heart rate issues will get better after the birth.
Good luck and congratulations!
Dr B
Sorry to hear all the trouble your having but If I were you I would see a cardiologist just to be safe. It could have something to do with the pregnancy but it is better to be safe then sorry.