How does the heart change during pregnancy?
According to Dr. Durga Damodharan, Consultant Family Physician at Apollo Cradle Hospital (Chennai, India), during pregnancy, the volume of blood in the mother's body can increase by more than 50%. This causes the heart to work harder, pump blood faster and more strongly to meet the increasing needs of both mother and baby.
The resting heart rate of pregnant women often increases by 7 to 20 beats per minute compared to normal. This is a common phenomenon and reflects the body's adaptation to pregnancy, according to Onlymyhealth.
Typical changes you can experience
The heart rate increases gradually throughout pregnancy.
Blood pressure typically drops slightly in the second trimester, then returns to normal in the third trimester.
Some women may feel their heart beating rapidly or slightly irregularly, this is a common condition but needs to be monitored closely.
When to be vigilant?
Although increasing heart rate is normal, you should be vigilant if you experience the following symptoms:
Chest pain or tightness.
Frequent fainting or dizziness.
Severe shortness of breath even at rest.
Sudden swelling, especially in the face or hands.
These signs can warn of serious cardiovascular problems and need to be examined immediately.
Advice on cardiovascular health protection during pregnancy
To keep your heart healthy during pregnancy, Dr. Damodharan recommends:
Eat healthy with lots of green vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins such as fish, skinless chicken.
Limit processed foods, fry a lot of fat and refined sugar.
Drink enough water every day to support blood circulation.
get a comprehensive cardiovascular health check before pregnancy.
Monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight regularly throughout your pregnancy.
Note
Dr. Durga Damodharan says that during pregnancy, the mother's heart has to work harder to meet the needs of both mother and baby. Understanding normal changes, early recognition of unusual signs, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help mothers protect cardiovascular health and ensure a healthy future for their children.
