Occurrence during pregnancy – causes
During pregnancy, the entire body is adapted to the needs of the growing child. This includes the body producing more blood to ensure the supply of the child. In some cases, this change is accompanied by the occurrence of palpitations.
This is caused by the fact that the heart has to transport almost 50% more blood during pregnancy due to the increased amount of blood and accordingly increases its performance. The heart beats stronger and faster than before and women perceive this as unpleasant palpitations. Even severe stress can trigger tachycardia or intensify a slightly existing tachycardia.
However, tachycardia is almost always harmless and not a cause for concern. In most cases, the tachycardia subsides on its own after some time once the body has become accustomed to the new conditions of pregnancy. The need for magnesium during pregnancy increases, especially after the 22nd week of pregnancy.
Magnesium is involved in many metabolic processes in the human body and is involved in the nervous control of muscle activity. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include tingling sensations in the hands and feet, increased nervousness and high blood pressure, as well as muscle cramps. Typically, calf cramps and tension in the back area occur.
Heart rhythm disorders in the form of tachycardia can also be an expression of a magnesium deficiency. The iron requirement is increased during pregnancy. If the increased requirement is not balanced by diet and the iron stores are exhausted, a deficiency occurs.
A slight iron deficiency becomes apparent with symptoms such as paleness, exhaustion and concentration difficulties.A more advanced deficiency appears with palpitations, shortness of breath and mood changes. Since iron is also a component of the red blood cells that transport oxygen, the heart has to pump more when there are fewer oxygen transporters in order to supply all organs with sufficient oxygen. andThe size of the thyroid gland increases slightly as a result of increased hormone requirements during pregnancy.
However, if the increase in size exceeds a certain level, this is called goiter, which can occur in hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactivity of the thyroid gland and is a possible trigger for tachycardia. The autoimmune Graves’ disease causes hyperthyroidism and must be treated immediately.
Pregnancy-induced hyperthyroidism can also be triggered by the hormone chorionic gonadotropin produced during this period. It is similar to the thyroid hormone TSH and stimulates the thyroid gland to increase its activity. However, this form of hyperfunction is usually no longer found after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Hyperthyroidism is usually accompanied by unspecific symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, nervousness, sweating, hair loss and increased anxiety. Hyperfunction of the thyroid is associated with an increased risk of so-called pre-eclampsia, a premature detachment of the placenta. The probability of premature births, miscarriages and malformations also increases. Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy should therefore generally be treated with medication.
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