How Pregnancy Affects Your Heart Rate: What You Should Know on World Heart Day?

Pregnancy changes almost every part of a woman’s body, and the heart is no exception. While the growing baby is the main focus for many families, the mother’s heart quietly works harder every single day. During these nine months, the heart has to pump more blood, adjust to hormonal shifts, and maintain enough oxygen supply for both the mother and the baby.

On World Heart Day, it’s a reminder that heart health matters not just for those at risk of disease, but also for expectant mothers. To understand how pregnancy affects heart rate and what women should be aware of, we spoke with an expert who explained the changes in detail.

What Really Happens to the Heart During Pregnancy

We reached out to Dr Durga Damodharan, Consultant Family Physician and Diabetologist, Apollo Cradle and Children's Hospitals, Chennai - Karapakkam, who shared how pregnancy impacts the heart.

“During pregnancy, the heart of a woman begins to work overtime to cope with the several changes that the body is undergoing. The heart pumps additional blood to accommodate the increasing demands of the growing baby,” Dr Damodharan explains.

According to a study, blood volume can increase by more than 50%, which results in the heart working harder, which is why heart rates are generally higher in pregnancy or at rest (10–20 bpm) in the pregnant woman. 

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Typical Changes to Expect

• Resting heart rate can increase by seven to 20 beats per minute as pregnancy progresses.
• Blood pressure tends to drop in the second trimester and return to pre-pregnancy levels in the third trimester.
• Some women notice heart palpitations or mild irregular rhythms, which are common but should be discussed with a doctor if persistent.

Normal vs Abnormal Changes

Not every change in heart rate should cause worry, but some symptoms deserve attention. Dr Damodharan notes that while increased heart rate is expected, certain warning signs should never be ignored.

Look out for:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Fainting or feeling dizzy often
• Severe shortness of breath, even at rest
• Swelling that appears suddenly, especially in the face or hands

These can be signs of complications that need medical attention. Dr Damodharan explains that women with pre-existing conditions, like hypertension or diabetes, are at a higher risk and must be extra cautious.

Precautions for Heart Health During Pregnancy

Dr Damodharan recommends a few practical steps:

• Stick to a heart-healthy diet: whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like fish, skinless poultry, or white meat.
• Limit processed foods like fried items, and refined sugar.
• Stay well-hydrated, as this helps the heart work smoothly.
• Get a full heart check before trying to conceive.
• Keep an eye on blood pressure, heart rate, and weight gain during pregnancy.
• These measures make a real difference in supporting heart health and catching problems early.

Why Heart Health Matters on World Heart Day

Heart health is sometimes overlooked during pregnancy, but it’s vital today and always. This World Heart Day, take a moment to recognise how important it is to support cardiac wellness before, during, and after pregnancy.

Encouraging regular checkups, healthy habits, and being aware of heart-related symptoms means expectant mothers can have smoother pregnancies. It also gives babies a strong foundation for future growth and health.

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Conclusion

The heart faces extra demands in pregnancy. Understanding these changes, recognising warning signs, and being proactive with checkups and lifestyle choices helps mothers protect their own health and their baby’s future. On World Heart Day, it is worth remembering that supporting heart health during pregnancy is one of the best things any family can do.