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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Heart Palpatations Signify ?

I m 25 weeks pregnant , and all the pregnancy books I ve read say that heart palpatations are not good during pregnancy, and to call your doctor if you experience them. Ive been having increasingly uncomfortable palpatations since friday night, and cannot contact my doctor. They only last a few beats, but are now occuring every few hours. do i need to go to the hospital? i cant really afford it unless it is necessary. (the palpatations seem to occur with an unexpected sense of anxiety and lately a lightheadedness ) i forgot to mention that i was born with a heart murmur that disappeared on its own but reappeared when i was 15 (when i passed out horseback riding!!) , then went into hiding again. Also, my last appointment was friday afternoon, just before the palpatations started to occur, and everything was fine then; even my blood pressure, which was excellent.
Wed, 16 Dec 2009
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Maternal palpitations are common. It's due to the increased blood volume which peaks at 28 to 32 weeks, so you're on track. The stroke volume of the heart increases and progesterone can cause the heartbeat to be irregular at times. If you have a history of cardiac problems you need to be seen by a doctor right away. You've mentioned anxiety and lightheadedness. If you also experience dizziness and/or shortness of breath, you need to be seen right away. For most women, palps are normal. There must be an emergency number or answering service that can contact your doctor if necessary. I've never heard of an OB who couldn't be contacted. Go ahead and let your doctor know about this and how it's affecting you. DO NOT take anything without first consulting your doctor. That includes the vitamin B6 suggested to you.
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What Could Heart Palpatations Signify ?

Maternal palpitations are common. It s due to the increased blood volume which peaks at 28 to 32 weeks, so you re on track. The stroke volume of the heart increases and progesterone can cause the heartbeat to be irregular at times. If you have a history of cardiac problems you need to be seen by a doctor right away. You ve mentioned anxiety and lightheadedness. If you also experience dizziness and/or shortness of breath, you need to be seen right away. For most women, palps are normal. There must be an emergency number or answering service that can contact your doctor if necessary. I ve never heard of an OB who couldn t be contacted. Go ahead and let your doctor know about this and how it s affecting you. DO NOT take anything without first consulting your doctor. That includes the vitamin B6 suggested to you.