Definition
An increased pulse rate during pregnancy is a phenomenon that affects almost all pregnant women. As a rule, an elevated heart rate during pregnancy is a physiological adaptation mechanism to the pregnancy. It serves for the safe blood circulation of the fetus or the baby.
In rare cases, an elevated pulse rate during pregnancy is also an expression of a dangerous problem for the unborn child. Therefore, the pulse should always be closely monitored and any deviations should be checked by a doctor. In most cases, however, it is a normal adaptation reaction of the body.
Causes
An increased pulse during pregnancy can have various causes. First and foremost, an elevated heart rate during pregnancy is a physiological reaction of the body to pregnancy. The placenta and embryo need a good blood supply.
This is ensured by the fact that the vascular resistance decreases and the heart beats about 10-20 times more per minute than before. This ensures that the placenta is optimally supplied with blood. However, an increased pulse during pregnancy can also have pathological causes.
During pregnancy there is an increased relative anaemia, which is compensated by an increased pulse rate. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can also accelerate the heartbeat. Rarely is a so-called pregnancy poisoning behind increased pulse values.
However, this usually manifests itself as sudden high blood pressure. Another rare but dangerous cause is pulmonary embolism during pregnancy. This occurs more frequently during pregnancy because the blood coagulates more quickly in pregnant women.
In addition, an increased pulse during pregnancy can be an expression of an illness that has nothing to do with the pregnancy itself. Diseases of the heart generally often lead to an increased pulse rate. These include, for example, pericarditis or newly occurring atrial fibrillation. Other causes include pneumonia, stress or hormonal imbalances.
Diagnosis
In most cases, an elevated pulse during pregnancy does not require a definitive diagnosis. An elevated pulse during pregnancy can nevertheless be assessed by a long-term ECG with pulse measurement if necessary. As long as the pulse is not elevated by more than 10-20 beats per minute and there are no accompanying symptoms, no measures need to be taken.
If other causes are suspected, an elevated pulse during pregnancy should be investigated further. The determination of thyroid gland values leads to the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Other useful examinations include a blood pressure measurement, an assessment of heart and lung function and an ultrasound of the unborn baby. A urine examination can also be useful to detect so-called pregnancy poisoning. Then a diagnosis can be made.
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