Causes, symptoms and treatment of tachycardia during pregnancy. Tachycardia during pregnancy: is this condition dangerous?

Every woman's body experiences serious stress during pregnancy, including on the cardiovascular system. The expectant mother often encounters the phenomenon of tachycardia during pregnancy.

An increase in the number of heartbeats caused by additional stress on the heart and blood vessels is considered normal. But sometimes tachycardia during pregnancy can go beyond the normal range and become a condition that is unsafe for the expectant mother and her baby.

Tachycardia is an increased heart rate exceeding 80 beats per minute, provided that the person is at rest and his body temperature has not changed. This is not an independent disease, but only a symptom that may indicate pathology. In pregnant women, tachycardia in most cases is associated with an increase in the load on the body.

The expectant mother's resting heart rate should not differ from the generally accepted norm. During physical activity, it can increase by 10-15 contractions per minute.

The main causes of cardiac tachycardia during pregnancy:

  • excess weight of a woman, including significant weight gain during pregnancy;
  • fever, increased body temperature;
  • displacement of the heart as a result of an enlarged uterus, increased pressure on large vessels and the diaphragm;
  • endocrine system disorders, in particular thyroid diseases associated with increased synthesis of thyroid hormones;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • pneumonia, bronchitis;
  • dehydration, which occurs when severe as a result of repeated vomiting and loss of appetite;
  • uterine bleeding due to early, serious injury and;
  • toxic infections, sepsis;
  • pathological reactions of the body to medications: for example, side effects of certain medications, overdose of vitamins;
  • mild excitability of the nervous system;
  • bad habits (alcoholism, smoking, etc.).

Kinds

There are two types of tachycardia - sinus and paroxysmal. Sinus tachycardia is characterized by a regular rhythm and a contraction frequency of more than 100 per minute.

Causes of sinus tachycardia in pregnant women:

  • increased metabolism;
  • diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • pressure from the growing uterus on the heart and other internal organs.

Sinus tachycardia in most cases is not dangerous and can be eliminated with the help of sedatives. If it is caused by heart disease, then lack of attention from medical personnel can lead to complications during childbirth.

Paroxysmal tachycardia and pregnancy are incompatible phenomena. The heart rate in this case exceeds 140 per minute.

Symptoms of paroxysmal tachycardia:

  • migraine;
  • drop in blood pressure;
  • dizziness, tinnitus, loss of consciousness;
  • general weakness;
  • chest pain;
  • lack of air;
  • polyuria.

Attacks of paroxysmal tachycardia begin suddenly and end the same way; they can last from a couple of seconds to several hours, and sometimes days. This condition should not be left without the attention of a doctor.

Symptoms

Most women ignore the symptoms of tachycardia during pregnancy, not noticing the danger. Of course, mild attacks of palpitations are practically unnoticeable and do not cause discomfort to the expectant mother, but if they become more frequent and become permanent, you need to inform your doctor about it.

Tachycardia during pregnancy is considered normal. An increase in heart rate occurs as a result of an increased volume of circulating blood, so that the baby in the womb receives a sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients important for its continued growth and development.

But there are symptoms of tachycardia during pregnancy, which are important to pay attention to.:

  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ;
  • dizziness, severe weakness, loss of consciousness;
  • numbness of any part of the body;
  • pain in the heart or behind the breastbone;
  • increased emotionality, nervousness, irritability;
  • constant fatigue, drowsiness.

Is tachycardia dangerous?

Tachycardia is rarely diagnosed in the early stages of pregnancy. Usually its appearance is associated with physical activity, psycho-emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, and addictions. If these causes are eliminated, the heart rate returns to normal.

If constant attacks of tachycardia appear in the early stages of pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor to rule out heart and vascular diseases, as well as chronic pathologies.

Tachycardia in late pregnancy is detected in almost every expectant mother. The cause of this condition is the growth of the fetus. It can also be caused by a woman’s bad habits, if she has not abandoned them with the onset of pregnancy, and by taking medications, the side effect of which is increased heart rate. This can lead to bleeding and the onset of premature labor.

Diagnostics

If tachycardia is detected, the doctor may prescribe certain tests and a comprehensive examination to the expectant mother. Thanks to this, it will be possible to detect or refute the presence of pathology, establish its cause and choose further tactics to help the patient.

Diagnostics includes:

  • general blood and urine tests, the purpose of which is to determine hemoglobin and red blood cells;
  • electrocardiography;
  • analysis for thyroid hormones (thyroid gland).

Depending on the results of the study, conclusions will be drawn and appropriate therapy will be carried out.

Treatment

Treatment of paroxysmal tachycardia during pregnancy is carried out exclusively in a hospital setting, with the obligatory administration of intravenous antiarrhythmic solutions Novocainomide, Procainomide and Quinidine.

What to do with physiological tachycardia during pregnancy? Treatment should begin with establishing a daily routine, normalizing sleep and rest, and giving up bad habits, including excessive caffeine consumption. Usually, positive emotions, proper rest and light physical activity in the fresh air stabilize the heart rate, returning it to normal.

If the attacks do not go away, the doctor may resort to prescribing magnesium supplements, for example. Magnesium strengthens the muscle fibers of the heart and restores its tissue. In addition, treatment of tachycardia during pregnancy in this case may include taking sedatives, such as and.

Prevention

Prevention of tachycardia during pregnancy helps prevent its development or reduce the severity of symptoms.

To do this you need:

  • avoid stress factors, be less nervous;
  • eat right: a healthy diet is a guarantee of normal metabolism;
  • engage in physical therapy, reducing the risk of sudden weight gain;
  • to refuse from bad habits.

Tachycardia in the fetus

Tachycardia during pregnancy in the fetus is a cause for concern for all expectant mothers. Why does this condition occur? The reasons are different, and a lot depends not only on the mother, but also on the fetus.

Causes of tachycardia in the fetus during pregnancy due to the fault of the expectant mother:

  • hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function);
  • heart and vascular diseases;
  • respiratory diseases;
  • serious blood loss;
  • taking certain medications.

The article discusses tachycardia during pregnancy. We tell you why this condition is dangerous in the early and late stages, the causes and symptoms of tachycardia. You will learn reviews from women about how they coped with illness while carrying a child, the necessary treatment, diagnosis and prevention.

Tachycardia is a condition of the body characterized by rapid heartbeat, in which the heart rate exceeds 80 beats per minute at a time when the person is at rest and the body temperature is not changed. ICD-10 code: R00.0 “Tachycardia, unspecified.”

Tachycardia during pregnancy is normal

Tachycardia is not an independent pathology, but is just a sign of an existing disease. In expectant mothers, this ailment is usually caused by an increasing load on the body.

In pregnant women at rest, the heart rate should be equal to generally accepted norms. During sports or any other physical activity, such as walking up stairs or walking in the evening, an increase of 5-15 contractions per minute is acceptable. If the frequency is higher than these indicators, then this is a reason to consult a doctor.

Kinds

Experts distinguish 2 types of tachycardia - paroxysmal and sinus.

Paroxysmal tachycardia is characterized by a heart rate above 140 beats per minute. This condition is dangerous both in early and late stages of pregnancy. Its signs are:

  • a sharp decrease in blood pressure;
  • dizziness;
  • feeling of lack of air;
  • migraine;
  • polyuria;
  • chest discomfort;
  • fainting;
  • tinnitus;
  • general deterioration of health.

Attacks of this form of tachycardia begin and end suddenly and can last a couple of seconds or several hours or days. This condition requires specialist intervention.

A distinctive feature of sinus tachycardia is the correct rhythm and heart rate (heart rate) above 100 beats per minute. This type of tachycardia develops due to:

  • increased metabolism;
  • pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
  • increased load on blood vessels, heart;
  • excessive stress on the nervous system;
  • the pressure that the growing uterus exerts on internal organs and the heart.

Typically, sinus tachycardia is not dangerous and can be successfully treated with sedative medications. In cases where the illness is due to heart pathologies, lack of treatment during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or difficult childbirth.

Causes

The main causes of cardiac tachycardia during pregnancy include:

  • anemia;
  • increased pressure on large vessels, the diaphragm;
  • obesity, overweight;
  • pneumonia;
  • sepsis;
  • fever, increased body temperature;
  • presence of bad habits (alcohol, cigarettes);
  • pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
  • medication overdose;
  • food poisoning;
  • side effects from taking medications;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • endocrine system disorders, thyroid pathologies caused by excessive synthesis of thyroid hormones;
  • displacement of the heart due to an increase in the size of the uterus;
  • dehydration of the body due to severe toxicosis;
  • bleeding from the uterus that occurred due to early placental abruption or serious injury;
  • slight excitability of the nervous system.

Symptoms

Many expectant mothers ignore tachycardia signals during pregnancy, believing that this will not lead to anything dangerous. Of course, mild attacks of palpitations are almost unnoticeable and do not cause trouble for a pregnant woman. But when your heart rate increases and becomes regular, you should immediately tell your doctor about it.

Tachycardia during pregnancy is considered normal. Rapid heartbeat occurs due to increased volume of circulating blood. This allows the baby in the womb to be provided with all the necessary nutrients and oxygen, so that it will develop properly.

Diarrhea is one of the signs of tachycardia

Sometimes signs of illness appear that cannot be ignored:

  • stomach upset;
  • dizziness;
  • nausea;
  • drowsiness, fatigue and weakness;
  • sudden mood swings;
  • painful sensations behind the sternum, in the heart area;
  • fainting;
  • numbness of any part of the body;
  • constipation;
  • vomit.

Tachycardia in the fetus

In some cases, tachycardia can be observed not only in the expectant mother, but also in the child inside the womb. This condition can be associated with both the pregnant woman herself and the fetus.

Factors on the part of the mother that cause tachycardia in the fetus:

  • heart pathologies;
  • severe blood loss;
  • vascular pathologies;
  • diseases of the respiratory system;
  • hyperthyroidism;
  • taking certain medications.

Causes of tachycardia due to the fault of the fetus itself:

  • hypoxia;
  • anemia;
  • intrauterine infection;
  • chromosomal abnormalities.

Therapy for tachycardia in the fetus should be selected only by a specialist. The question often arises about the use of antiarrhythmic drugs, which are directly administered into the umbilical cord or intramuscularly into the pregnant woman.

Why is it dangerous?

In the early stages of pregnancy, tachycardia is extremely rarely diagnosed. Most often, the appearance of malaise is caused by physical activity, hormonal changes, bad habits and an unstable emotional state. By eliminating these symptoms, it is possible to stabilize the heart rate.

If in the early stages regular attacks of tachycardia are observed, then in this case you should immediately visit a doctor to rule out cardiac and vascular pathologies and chronic ailments.

In the later stages of pregnancy, tachycardia is diagnosed in almost every pregnant woman, which is due to the growing fetus. Also, the heartbeat increases due to bad habits and taking medications, the side effects of which include a rapid heartbeat. If treatment is not started, this condition is fraught with premature birth and bleeding.

Diagnostics

If tachycardia is suspected, the specialist will prescribe certain tests and studies. Based on the results, the doctor confirms or refutes the diagnosis, and also looks for ways to treat the pathological condition.

Diagnostics consists of:

  • Dopplerography;
  • electrocardiography;
  • analysis of thyroid hormones;
  • general blood and urine tests, which help determine the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells.

Sometimes an additional ultrasound of the thyroid gland and heart may be prescribed. Based on the obtained tests, the specialist selects the appropriate therapy.

Only a doctor should prescribe treatment for tachycardia

How to treat

What to do if a pregnant woman has physiological tachycardia? In this case, it is necessary to normalize the work and rest regime, if necessary, cope with, get rid of bad habits, reduce or completely eliminate coffee consumption. As a rule, these measures will be sufficient to improve the condition and normalize the heartbeat; there is no need to use pills or other medications.

With paroxysmal tachycardia, inpatient treatment cannot be avoided. In this case, antiarrhythmic solutions of Quinidine, Novocainamide and Procainamide are administered intravenously to the pregnant woman.

For severe and persistent attacks, you can take Magne B6, but only with the permission of a doctor. Magnesium helps strengthen cardiac muscle fibers and also restores its tissue. It is also effective to use such remedies as Motherwort and Valerian for treatment.

Folk remedies

In folk medicine there are some remedies that can cope with tachycardia during pregnancy. They can only be used with the permission of a doctor. Below we will talk about several recipes for preparing medicinal products.

Tincture with motherwort

Dried herbs are used to make this recipe.

Ingredients:

  • anise fruits - 0.1 kg;
  • valerian root - 0.2 kg;
  • motherwort - 200 g;
  • yarrow - 0.1 kg;
  • water - 250 ml.

How to prepare: Grind the ingredients, mix well. Take 1 tbsp. the resulting mixture, pour a glass of boiling water. Leave for 40-60 minutes. Strain.

How to use: Drink 5 ml of the drink throughout the day (divide into 5 doses).

Melissa tincture

Ingredients:

  • water - 250 ml;
  • lemon balm - 100 g.

How to prepare: Pour lemon balm into a jar, then pour boiling water over it. Close the lid and leave for 10 days. After time, strain the infusion and squeeze out the herbs.

How to use: Take the tincture 4 times a day as follows: 1 tsp. dilute the infusion in half a glass of water.

Result: This drink helps relieve emotional tension and cope with stress.

Prevention

Below are tips that will help prevent the development of tachycardia in expectant mothers:

  1. You need to stop being nervous. If you are unable to cope with this, then ask a specialist to prescribe you a sedative.
  2. It is important to adhere to the principles of proper nutrition, which will saturate the body with useful vitamins and microelements, and will also prevent you from gaining excess weight.
  3. It is necessary to get rid of bad habits, stop drinking alcohol, etc.
  4. If possible, and with the permission of a doctor, engage in physical therapy.
  5. Minimize stressful situations.

All this will help improve your overall well-being and stabilize your heart rate.

Pregnancy for absolutely all women places a certain strain on the body. Of course, this is not a disease and there is no need to worry, but it is worth protecting yourself from unnecessary troubles. Since the fetus is constantly growing and developing, the internal organs begin to work under strain. Tachycardia during pregnancy is a fairly common problem.

There can be many reasons for the occurrence of such a disease. Scientists have not yet fully understood this issue. It is known that during pregnancy, an increased amount of hormones is present in the female body, which causes the heart to beat faster, and, consequently, tachycardia occurs during pregnancy.

Like all people who are overweight, women in an interesting position may develop this disease. Cases of tachycardia are especially common during multiple pregnancies or polyhydramnios. In addition, oligohydramnios can also negatively affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system, as well as anemia and severe toxicosis. There have been cases where tachycardia during pregnancy was a consequence of uterine enlargement and displacement. You should not be surprised at problems with heart rhythm if, after conception, a woman does not give up such bad habits as drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking, not to mention drugs.

Due to the presence of a huge list of possible causes, tachycardia during pregnancy requires an individual approach. The maximum normal heart rate, that is, the number of beats per minute, is 90 and no more. This indicator should be measured at rest. All results exceeding the established standard are classified as tachycardia. Moreover, the rhythm range from 90 to 115 is considered moderate. But if the number of beats per minute exceeds 120, then this will certainly affect the woman’s general well-being. She may experience slight dizziness, fatigue, weakness in the legs, and even nausea and loss of consciousness. This is the so-called sinus tachycardia during pregnancy. In such cases, some experts consider it necessary to prescribe minimal treatment that will not harm the child, but may save his life. With such active work of the heart muscle, a woman in an interesting position needs to protect herself as much as possible from all stress and worries and in no case should she engage in physical labor.

But you should know that tachycardia always occurs during pregnancy. For example, by the third trimester, the heart rate increases on average by fifteen units. Such an increase is considered absolutely normal and does not require intervention from specialists.

Symptoms of tachycardia dangerous for the fetus are considered to be a strong feeling of nausea, and even vomiting. If you feel strong and rapid heartbeats, then you need to put everything aside and lie down so as not to overload your body and cardiovascular system. And of course, regular examinations should be the main task during pregnancy.

In some cases, fetal tachycardia is detected during pregnancy. This situation is more serious than a rapid heartbeat in the mother, as it may indicate fetal hypoxia, that is, the occurrence of pathologies. Most often, the emerging pathological processes are associated with certain problems with the woman’s health, for example, when, due to placental abruption, the unborn baby experiences a lack of oxygen.

In any case, a competent specialist conducts a thorough examination of the state of the cardiovascular system, identifying pathologies and anomalies. After all, the problem may be hidden in an unstable hormonal background, which has a great impact on the embryo and can lead to serious consequences. That is why tachycardia that occurs should not be ignored.

Why does tachycardia occur during pregnancy and how to treat it?

Many representatives of the fair sex learn for the first time in their lives what tachycardia is during pregnancy. There is nothing surprising about this. Indeed, during pregnancy, all systems of the body, as well as its organs, begin to work with redoubled force.

Tachycardia itself is not a disease; it is only a concomitant symptom of certain diseases. When tachycardia is detected in a pregnant woman, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination in order to identify the causes of this symptom and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Tachycardia during pregnancy and its causes

There are many reasons for the occurrence of heart disease. But doctors still identify the main reason - the high content of hormones in the body of the expectant mother. Such hormones are characterized by sympathomimetic activity and can increase heart rate. In addition to the main and most common reason, there are others that cause heart palpitations during pregnancy.

These reasons include:

  • weight gain in a pregnant woman;
  • anemia and hypertension;
  • severe toxicosis during pregnancy;
  • increased load on the heart and its change in position (as a result of an enlarged uterus);
  • smoking and drinking alcohol;
  • drinking strong tea or coffee during pregnancy;
  • lack of minerals and vitamins in the pregnant woman’s body;
  • use of vasoconstrictor drugs.

It turns out that only in such cases does the rapid heartbeat of the expectant mother allow the body to provide the fetus with the necessary amount of oxygen and nutrients.

Tachycardia during pregnancy and its symptoms

The disease during pregnancy is manifested by rapid heartbeat, which is above 90 beats per minute in a state of complete rest. With such a rapid heartbeat, the pregnant woman does not feel any pain. A rapid pulse and heartbeat can only cause the expectant mother some discomfort. Typically, tachycardia during pregnancy with such a heart rate goes away on its own. But there are times when the heart rate reaches 120 beats per minute or higher. With such a number of heartbeats, the expectant mother’s general condition worsens. Weakness, nausea and dizziness appear. The expectant mother is short of breath. A pregnant woman may lose consciousness.

What are the dangers of tachycardia during pregnancy?

As a rule, the pathology is not dangerous for the mother herself. However, it is necessary to find out the cause of the development of tachycardia. After all, it may be associated with heart diseases that arise during pregnancy.

If the cause lies in diseases of the cardiovascular system, then appropriate treatment is urgently prescribed.

But there is still a danger for the baby if tachycardia is caused by the mother’s heart disease.

Tachycardia after a short time can result in problems that are incompatible with pregnancy.

If the pathology is caused by a restructuring of the expectant mother’s body, then it is not dangerous for the development of the child.

Types of tachycardia during pregnancy

There are two types of pathology that develops during pregnancy:

  • sinus;
  • paroxysmal.

Sinus tachycardia occurs as a result of severe stress or emotional stress. It is also caused by severe anxiety during pregnancy or physical exertion.

Paroxysmal tachycardia is divided into ventricular and supraventricular. With this type of pathology, the main symptom is a very rapid heartbeat, pallor and cyanosis of the skin. Added to all this is nausea, shortness of breath, and vomiting. There may be problems with urination.

How is tachycardia treated during pregnancy?

A rapid heartbeat during pregnancy cannot be attributed only to a peculiarity of the expectant mother’s body. It is necessary to conduct studies to exclude or detect the presence of cardiovascular diseases. For this purpose, the pregnant woman is prescribed an ECG and EchoCG, a study of thyroid hormones, and Holter monitoring. If, however, during the examination it turns out that tachycardia occurred against the background of heart disease, then the expectant mother is urgently prescribed appropriate treatment.

A pregnant woman may be prescribed the use of beta blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs, and calcium channel blockers. Beta blockers are designed to control the effect of adrenaline on the sinus node. Antiarrhythmic drugs and calcium channel blockers control the generation of electrical impulses by the same sinus node. But it should be remembered that arrhythmic drugs, such as amiodanone, can cause abnormalities in fetal development. Therefore, taking such drugs without a prescription and medical supervision is prohibited.

Treatment of tachycardia, which arose against the background of physiological characteristics during pregnancy, consists of complete peace and comfort of the expectant mother. In the first trimester of pregnancy, a rapid heartbeat occurs due to increased hormonal levels. Therefore, in the first trimester, a woman is prescribed sedatives such as valerian or hawthorn. The dosage is indicated by the doctor with whom the pregnant woman is registered. Treatment in the second trimester is not much different from treatment in the first trimester. Sedatives are also prescribed, and the woman is advised to avoid stressful situations.

If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, then the attack can be controlled with the help of reflex exercises. The pregnant woman should strain slightly and tense her abdominal muscles. In this position, she should hold her breath from time to time and try to artificially induce gag reflexes. During the exercise, the pregnant woman should apply gentle pressure on her eyes.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, heart palpitations usually reach their maximum as the growing fetus's needs increase. In this trimester, valerian or hawthorn may not provide relief. Then the doctor may prescribe stronger sedatives. These drugs include Phytosedan, Persen and Novopassit. Together with sedatives, vitamin and mineral complexes (Elevit, Materna) are prescribed.

Can a pregnant woman use folk remedies to treat tachycardia?

When treating tachycardia during pregnancy, the use of folk remedies is allowed. But they must be treated under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Indeed, during pregnancy, many herbs and plants used in treatment are prohibited.

An effective remedy is a herbal mixture of motherwort and valerian.

To prepare it you will need:

  • dried valerian roots – 200 g;
  • dried motherwort herb – 200 g;
  • dried yarrow herb – 100 g;
  • anise fruits – 100 g.

All herbs must be chopped and mixed thoroughly. Next you need to take 1 tbsp. l. collection and pour a glass of boiling water. The mixture is left to infuse for about an hour. You can take the tincture throughout the day, but in small and equal portions. The collection should be stored in a dry and dark place.

Melissa tincture will help you calm down and cope with emotional stress. It’s not that difficult to prepare, but it steeps for a long time, 10 days. Take 100 g of lemon balm, pour a glass of boiling water and cover with a lid. After ten days of infusion, the mixture is squeezed out, filtered and taken in diluted form (1 tsp per 1/2 cup of water) 4 times a day.

What is the prevention of tachycardia during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the expectant mother needs measures to help cope with stress. Therefore, already in the first days and weeks of pregnancy, you can engage in physical therapy exercises, but only under the strict supervision of a doctor. Strict control over weight should be carried out, and efforts should be made to avoid sudden changes. As soon as the weight begins to rise rapidly, cardiac activity will begin to rise.

The expectant mother needs to adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Smoking and alcohol are completely prohibited, as they can not only cause tachycardia, but also lead to abnormal development of the fetus. A pregnant woman's diet should be varied and complete. Food should be rich in proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. And finally, a pregnant woman must follow all the doctor’s instructions and recommendations.

Tachycardia during pregnancy

During pregnancy, many different changes occur in the female body, and this concerns not only the appearance, but also the functioning of some internal organs. First of all, the load on almost all organs of a pregnant woman doubles. It is for this reason that many women during pregnancy experience a disease such as tachycardia.

The causes of tachycardia have not been precisely established; they can be varied. While carrying a child, a woman’s body produces more hormones, which may be the main reason for increased heart rate. In addition, most pregnant women experience weight gain, anemia, hypotension and metabolism. Severe toxicosis causes changes in the water and electrolyte balance in a woman’s body. An enlarged uterus sometimes becomes dislocated and causes changes in the position of the heart. If a woman smokes and drinks alcohol during pregnancy, this can also cause the development of tachycardia.

Diagnosis of this disease is a separate case for each organism, but on average, a pregnant woman is diagnosed with tachycardia with a heart rate of more than 90 beats per minute in a calm state. Attacks of rapid heartbeat occur periodically and pass without any treatment. But you should be concerned if the heart rate exceeds 120 beats per minute. This can affect the general condition, weakness and nausea may appear, up to loss of consciousness. If such conditions periodically occur in a pregnant woman, then you must inform your doctor about this, who, if necessary, will prescribe treatment. During such attacks, the pregnant woman should be in complete peace, both physical and psychological.

Basically, tachycardia worsens in the third trimester of pregnancy. Starting from the sixth month, the heart rate increases several times. In general, this disease is dangerous, not only for pregnant women, but also for any other person. But during the period of bearing a child, tachycardia is a common occurrence and there is no need to worry too much about it. As doctors explain, during an attack, the fetus receives all the nutrients it needs and a sufficient amount of oxygen.

If an attack of tachycardia is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, then this is a reason to consult a doctor. This may indicate various heart diseases. It is also worth paying attention to tachycardia, which repeats frequently and lasts for a long time.

If you experience an attack of rapid heartbeat, do not worry, this will only worsen your condition. It is recommended to lie down and relax at this time. In a few minutes the attack will end and the heart will begin to function normally again. After the baby is born, the disease will no longer bother you.

If tachycardia occurs during pregnancy, this is not the reason for drug treatment. Moreover, when carrying a child, medications should be used only as a last resort, when it cannot be avoided, and strictly as prescribed by the doctor. And periodically rapid heartbeat is no exception to this rule.

Any action you take must be previously agreed with your doctor. The most important task of a pregnant woman is to bear and give birth to a healthy child without compromising her health.

Carrying a baby is a crucial period associated with the excitement of anticipation and an increased load on the entire body, including the cardiovascular system.

It is during pregnancy that you may first hear the conclusion - tachycardia. An increase in the number of heartbeats is a symptom that signals disturbances in the functioning of the body. An increase in the number of heartbeats (exceeding 100 beats per minute) can be either short-term or long-term, with varying intensity and level of impact on overall well-being. In any case, this condition requires monitoring and correction. The degree of intervention is determined by the doctor based on tests and determination of the reasons that caused the tachycardia.

Tachycardia during pregnancy. Reasons for development

The close relationship of all systems in the body determines their influence on each other. Among the most common reasons that increase the number of heartbeats are:

  • Hormonal changes. The surges of hormones that occur with the onset of a period of happy anticipation inevitably affect the functioning of the heart.
  • Deviations in the functioning of the cardiovascular system that occurred before pregnancy intensify.
  • Disorders of the thyroid gland, leading to an increase in hormone levels.
  • Overweight. Extra pounds force the heart to work even harder.
  • Anemia caused by a lack of iron in the body.
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure).
  • Toxicosis, especially accompanied by vomiting. In this case, there is a violation of the water-salt balance, leading to a lack of vitamins and minerals.
  • Accelerated metabolism (metabolism) requires increased work of all organs, including the heart.
  • Stress, anxiety, provoking excessive excitability of the nervous system.
  • Strong tea, coffee and other products containing caffeine.

In addition, tachycardia can be caused by:

  • The use of vasoconstrictor drugs, allergic reactions to medications taken, vitamins.
  • The growing uterus puts pressure on the abdominal organs, diaphragm, and blood vessels. The intensity of exposure increases as pregnancy progresses, reaching a maximum in the third trimester.
  • Respiratory tract infections, bronchial asthma.
  • An increase in body temperature of even 1 degree adds 10-20 heart beats per minute.
  • Negative habits (smoking, alcohol).

Symptoms of tachycardia during pregnancy

Expectant mothers do not see danger in the manifestations of tachycardia, considering them to be features of the situation. This is partly true. The increased load on the cardiovascular system is due to the increased volume of blood being transferred. But there are a number of symptoms, the appearance of which should alert a woman:

  1. General malaise accompanied by dizziness and weakness.
  2. Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, vomiting.
  3. Discomfort and pain in the chest from the heart.
  4. Numbness of areas of the body.
  5. For no reason, an overwhelming feeling of anxiety and fear.
  6. Feeling of lack of air.

Types of tachycardia during pregnancy

The division of tachycardia into types is due to deviations in the functioning of certain parts of the heart.

Sinus tachycardia during pregnancy

The sinus rhythm of the heartbeat in combination with its acceleration is a classic illustration of sinus tachycardia. Its appearance is caused by both physiological (natural) and pathological reasons. In cases of the latter, we are talking about deviations in the functioning of the sinus node. They can be provoked by heart defects and dysfunction of its parts. Such disorders are corrected with medication under strict medical supervision.

Natural factors include pregnancy itself and the stress provoked by it. A slight increase in rhythm caused by natural factors should not cause alarm or concern. It can appear either at the beginning of pregnancy, due to hormonal changes and anxiety, or later, especially in the third trimester. By this time, the child is already quite large, so the mechanical effect on the organs also increases.

Paroxysmal tachycardia

Pathology of this type is ventricular and atrial. It is characterized by an increase in the number of heartbeats (up to 220 beats), changes in the color of the skin (blue or pale), nausea, and shortness of breath. This is a dangerous condition, and if it occurs, medical control is indicated.

Diagnosis and treatment of tachycardia during pregnancy

If complaints arise, you should take tests and conduct examinations. They will not only confirm or refute the pathology, but also establish the cause of its occurrence, the specific type of tachycardia. In addition to general urine and blood tests (to establish the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin), ECG and Doppler ultrasound are recommended, as well as monitoring of thyroid hormones. Based on their results, appropriate therapy is prescribed if necessary.

In the absence of pathologies in the body’s functioning, the recommendations are quite simple - rest, relaxation, positive emotions. Potassium and magnesium preparations help strengthen the heart muscle, and taking sedatives helps normalize the psycho-emotional state.

If the appearance of tachycardia is a manifestation of pathological processes, treatment includes taking antiarrhythmic drugs. It is possible to undergo therapy in a hospital.

By promptly identifying tachycardia in a pregnant woman and making the necessary correction, the negative effects on the process of bearing a child are minimized, preserving the health of the woman and the baby.

Why is tachycardia dangerous during pregnancy?

If the nature of the occurrence of tachycardia is physiological, you can not give in to excessive anxiety. This condition does not pose a threat to either the woman or her baby. However, if you experience increased heart rate, you should report it to your doctor.

When tachycardia is provoked by abnormalities in the functioning of the heart, control should be maximum, including appropriate support with medications. Lack of attention to the condition can cost not only pregnancy, but also life.

Felt an attack of tachycardia during pregnancy. What to do

Even if the increased heart rate is caused by the peculiarities of the period of waiting for the baby, it is important to be able to behave correctly during attacks of tachycardia. Feeling unwell:

  1. Relax by taking a horizontal position of your torso. If this is not possible, at least sit down.
  2. Take slow, deep breaths in and out.
  3. Try to think about something good and pleasant.

Prevention of tachycardia

Preventive measures are designed to exclude pathological processes, and if this is not possible, to alleviate their manifestations as much as possible. A few simple recommendations will help prevent the development of tachycardia and reduce the intensity of symptoms:

  • Try to avoid stressful situations and increased nervous tension.
  • A balanced diet, enriching the diet with vegetables and fruits normalize metabolic processes.
  • Physical therapy will help you cope with stress and reduce the likelihood of weight problems.
  • Learning special deep breathing techniques will be helpful.
  • Elimination of bad habits - smoking, drinking alcohol. Addictions of this kind have a toxic effect on any organism, and they can cause irreparable harm to the health of a pregnant woman and her baby.

Tachycardia in pregnant women is a common phenomenon. Its timely monitoring and correction will help to carry and give birth to a healthy baby without harming the health of the woman herself.

Women often notice an increased heart rate during pregnancy. Even young girls can develop tachycardia during pregnancy; treatment should begin as early as possible so that the disease does not have serious complications.

The causes of the disease during pregnancy are as follows: tachycardia in pregnant women can appear with a sudden large increase in weight, in women with low blood pressure or with anemia. The culprits of tachycardia in pregnant women are smoking, frequent consumption of products that contain caffeine, drinking alcohol and certain types of vasoconstrictor drugs.

Causes of tachycardia during pregnancy

The main reasons for the development of tachycardia during pregnancy:

  • allergies to certain medications for pregnant women or vitamin complexes;
  • various diseases of the thyroid gland, which contribute to greater production of hormones;
  • obesity;
  • frequent emotional shocks, depression;
  • inflammatory processes due to a cold;
  • increased body temperature;
  • diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • insufficient amount of water in the body during toxicosis and frequent vomiting;
  • physical exercise;
  • placental disorder;
  • presence of severe injury;
  • bleeding in any system of the body.

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Symptoms of tachycardia in pregnant women

Symptoms of tachycardia:

  • depressed and sleepy state, feeling tired;
  • headache, loss of consciousness;
  • pain in the heart area;
  • increased irritability;
  • diarrhea;
  • noise in ears;
  • increased sweating;
  • decreased blood pressure;
  • prostration.

There are 2 types of tachycardia: sinus and paroxysmal. The second differs from the first in that the heartbeat can reach 150 beats per minute, and sometimes even 220 beats. It is also accompanied by a weak state of the body, dizziness and pain in the heart, and attacks of vomiting may occur. With paroxysmal tachycardia, the skin acquires a bluish tint, and frequent urination is disturbing.

In most cases, tachycardia is observed in the 3rd trimester. Already from the 6th month, the heart rate increases by 15-20 beats per minute. It is recommended that all women who feel an increase in heart rate switch their thoughts to something other than counting heart beats. After a certain period of time, the heartbeat stabilizes. You should not self-medicate. If attacks of tachycardia bother you quite often, then you need to consult a specialist.

When an attack of tachycardia occurs, a woman should lie down or sit down, breathe deeply, holding her breath briefly in places, tense her abdominal muscles, try not to panic and discard all negative thoughts. You can close your eyes and gently press on the eye sockets. It is necessary to artificially induce vomiting; it will significantly alleviate the general condition of the body.

Heart palpitations can also occur in the fetus. This may be due to diseases of the mother, or oxygen starvation of the fetus. In this case, an ultrasound examination is performed, and treatment begins immediately so that acidosis does not develop.

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Treatment of tachycardia using traditional methods

Sinus tachycardia should be treated with beta blockers prescribed by a doctor, which control adrenaline. Doctors recommend taking calcium channel blockers and antiarrhythmic drugs, which control electrical impulses through the sinus node.

Pregnant women need to take sedatives, the safest for health are valerian or motherwort, you can take Magne B6, Novopassit or Hawthorn forte. If a specialist has diagnosed “supragastric tachycardia”, then you should purchase the drug “Verapamil”.

A medicine called Adenosine or Propranolol can effectively neutralize attacks of tachycardia, but they can only be taken under the supervision of a specialist.

If a pregnant woman has tachycardia, a very common occurrence, then she constantly needs to take Corvalol or motherwort tincture; in this case, the drug Panangin, which contains magnesium and potassium, is often prescribed.

A mild form of tachycardia should not cause panic in a woman; this phenomenon is considered quite normal, because the load on the heart during pregnancy increases significantly. It is necessary to rest more, drink plenty of water and freshly squeezed juices, as they help to better cope with increased heartbeat. Yoga classes and meditation are effective; they relieve stress and tension, after which anxiety goes away. Breathing exercises are recommended.

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Treatment of tachycardia with folk remedies

Treatment of tachycardia using folk remedies is popular among pregnant women. A good remedy is a herbal mixture of valerian and motherwort, you can add anise and yarrow. It is necessary to take all the components in equal proportions, grind them thoroughly and mix. Drink 2 tsp. 3 times a day, diluting with a small amount of water.

One of the pleasant and tasty treatment methods is to use honey with lemon with the addition of nuts of any kind.

The use of lemon balm infusion is effective. It has a sedative effect on the body and improves general condition. Pour 100 g of lemon balm into 250 ml of medical alcohol and leave for 10 days, covered with a lid. After the expiration date, strain, drink 1 tsp, diluted with a glass of water, up to 4 times a day.

The use of valerian in combination with calendula is very effective. They should be crushed in equal proportions, brewed and left for 3 hours, drink 1 tsp. 3 times a day.

A herbal mixture of lemon balm, valerian, rose hips, motherwort and oregano helps well with tachycardia. Take all the herbs in equal quantities, brew and leave for a couple of hours. Then strain and drink the infusion 1/2 cup 3 times a day. It has a calming effect on the nervous system.

All these components must be mixed in equal quantities and placed in a dark place for a week. Use the mixture 2 times a day, 1 tsp. Honey improves heart function, lemon strengthens the heart muscle. Nuts are rich in useful elements and vitamins.

It is recommended to drink chicory during pregnancy, as it promotes normal blood circulation, thanks to it, blood pressure decreases, attacks become a rare occurrence. You should consume no more than 2 cups of chicory per day.