Pregnancy and heart rate

[Golfingirl]

Hi everyone,

I am newly pregnant for the third time after two previous miscarriages (both due to chromosomal defects/age of my eggs). Needless to say I am worried about another loss. My question is this: I know that heart rate increases during pregnancy. But how early on would you normally notice that effect? I thought I did with both previous pregnancies, and for the first couple days of this one, but now my resting heart rate is back down to its usual zombie-like 50-something beats per minute. I'm only 4.5 weeks along, but I just remember feeling my heart racing along at this point in the other pregnancies. I also remember having a noticably reduced cardio capacity, pretty much right away, but today I did a workout that felt like any other non-pregnant workout.

So... could this pregnancy be in trouble? Shouldn't I be feeling some increase in heart rate and some kind of alteration to how I feel when exercising? I felt like I did over the weekend (I got winded just swinging golf clubs!) but that feeling is completely gone now.

Most other pregnant women seem utterly unaware of an increased pulse rate and don't know what I'm talking about, but I figure you fitness-minded women would be more tuned in and could share your experience!

Thanks!

 

[kristan]

I really noticed an increase in heart rate right away with my first 2 kids, but with #3, barely noticed any changes early in pregnancy. Best of luck. You're right- most pregnant women don't mention an increase in heart rate. kristan

 

[shopaholic]

It must be scary waiting for signs that this pregnancy won't succeed but I wouldn't use heartrate as an indicator. Until I got am sickness, I noticed no change in my aerobic capacity or heartrate. Do you have an early ultrasound scheduled? I believe that is the best predictor .Good luck.

 

[emackay]

I second what shopaholic says about the us being the best indicator - you could also ask for a blood test to check your hcg and progesterone levels now since in theory they can't really see anything definitive in a us until 7 weeks. I went in twice to have my levels checked due to my previous loss to make sure this one is going well (so far so good!).

I am about 6 weeks now and had a miscarriage last ocober ... both times i've noticed an increase in heart rate right away. just going up the stairs sometimes can make me feel it. BUT some days i notice it more than others - and i still wo with cathe religiously. Some days I wo and feel like i'm not even pregnant - great aerobic capacity, normal hr - while other days i have to stop early. it also seems to depend on the time of day and how warm i am feeling (in the morning i feel like i'm having hot flashes ). So, you are not alone in sensing changes and mixed signals, but if you are really worried ask your doc.

good luck and take care of yourself,
arancini

 

[chichilarees]

I second and third what has been said- I too have experienced miscarriage and when I was pregnant with my second son (who just arrived 6/12/06 ) I was scared and worried about every little twinge, cramp, everything. My doc said the best thing you can do is try to relax b/c its not good for you or baby to be worrying or stressing your body. Your doc will most likely schedule all tests/ultrasounds needed to put your mind at ease. Mine scheduled one as soon as pregnancy was confirmed b/c he knew I was scared (tried for 3 yrs after miscarriage to get pregnant again and lost two more pregnancies very early- one was 2 days after positive pregnancy test- so you can understand my concern!). Anyway, try to relax and savor the fact that you are carrying this life inside of you. You know your body better than anyone, and be aware of what is going on so that you can report to doc, but try not to obsess or you will drive yourself crazy! Your body will do the rest! WIsh you the best of luck and keep us updated!!!
heather

 

[Golfingirl]

Thanks everyone! My doc doesn't normally see patients until 8 weeks but given my history of m/c he will probably give me an early ultrasound and bloodwork. It's still too early for an u/s but I figure by next week it should at least show the sac and confirm it's not an ectopic.

Anyway thanks again for the reassurance!

 

[emackay]

Golfingirl -

As I was taking my temp this morning it reminded me that this is also a way to sooth your fears of miscarriage. I've been taking mine to make sure it is still up where it should be If you've been taking your BBT, as long as it stays high with no big drops it's a sign that your pregnancy is still viable. If you haven't been charting, you could still start taking your temps but it might take you a little while before you know what your range is - but you would probably still be able to note a huge drop in temp if a miscarriage were on the way. If you're interested in this I can try to answer your ?s, or Toni Weschler's "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" is a great resource.

Take care,
arancini