Why Does Pregnancy Sometimes Make Sleeping Difficult
When you’re pregnant, it can be hard to get a good nights sleep. As you get bigger, it gets tougher to find a comfortable sleeping position. You may need to pee in the middle of the night. And heartburn can wake you up.
Some women have leg cramps and backaches, especially as they begin carrying more and more weight. Many pregnant women report that their dreams become more vivid than usual, and some even have nightmares.
Stress can interfere with sleep too. Maybe you’re worried about your baby’s health, anxious about your abilities as a parent, or feeling nervous about the delivery itself. All these feelings are normal, but they might keep you up at night.
Symptoms For Increased Heart Rate During Pregnancy
How would you understand if you have a fast heart beat rate when you are pregnant? The first symptom of fast heart beat is when the pulse rate of your body increases. There are other symptoms too. One of them is shortness of breath. This is observed along with increase in pulse rate. You need to keep your eye open for both these symptoms.
A little dizziness and light headedness accompanies your shortness in breath. Obviously, these symptoms must be informed to the doctor to ensure it is because of your pregnancy.
What About Your Babys Heart Rate
The heart rate of a fetus normally varies between 120160 beats per minute. As your baby moves around in the womb, some irregularity in heartbeat is normal. It is also common in the second trimester as your babys heart matures. However, if the irregularity persists, medical intervention will be required. Your doctor will monitor this during pre-natal checkups. According to experts, excessive caffeine consumption, say, more than a cup of coffee a day, can cause irregularities in your babys heart rate, so cut down or avoid altogether.
In a majority of cases, irregular heartbeats in babies resolve on their own. But, sometimes, it can be indicative of a structural abnormality of the heart or other problems. Your doctor will monitor the heart rate of your baby, investigate its cause, and prescribe medication or take other steps to ensure the well-being of your baby.12
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What Is A Good Heart Rate For 7
The heart rate of a baby, commonly known as the Fetal Heart Rate According to recent studies, your baby’s heart rate At 6 to 7 weeks, the baby’s heartbeat should be between 90 and 110 beats per minute . A fetal monitor can help doctors know how healthy your baby is. If the fetus suffers from hypoxia , that information can help doctors treat the problem before birth.
The best way to learn how to do this test is by doing it. You will need to use a belt with a sensor attached to it that you wear around your abdomen. The sensor will make a small noise every time his heart pumps blood into the fetal heart zone. You will also need someone to help you read the results on the monitor. This person should not be you when you are doing the test because they would be able to see the screen and could tell whether or not you are lying.
You should have your doctor check your FHR regularly during your pregnancy. He or she will want to make sure everything is going well with your pregnancy. A high-risk pregnancy may require more frequent checks.
If you are experiencing any pain during your checkup, let your doctor know. Some women feel pain when their babies move down toward their pelvis during sleep. This is normal pain and there is nothing to worry about.
Your Heart During Pregnancy
One of the many ways your body changes during pregnancy is you have 30%-50% more blood. Since its your hearts job to pump that blood, it has to work much harder. Your resting heart rate may increase by 10-20 extra beats per minute.
Along with the increased blood supply, your blood vessels get bigger, which lowers your blood pressure. This process usually occurs during your second trimester. By your third trimester, about 20% of the blood in your body is going to your uterus.
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How To Get Heart Rate Into A Normal Range
People whose heart rate falls outside their normal range should focus on why this happens, rather than trying to reach a particular number of BPM. Talk to a doctor before trying to change the heart rate.
In general, a healthful lifestyle may help a person remain healthy during pregnancy and can support a normal heart rate.
Increased Heart Rate During Pregnancy
Pregnancy needs lots of body systems including your cardiovascular system making significant changes, consisting of elevation of your heart rate. Nevertheless, raised heart rate can also show a hidden problem. See your doctor immediately if you experience an increase in heart rate, light-headedness, anxiety or shortness of breath.
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The Truth About Safe Heart Rates While Pregnant
In the past, it was recommended that pregnant women keep their heart rate below 140 beats per minute, but those strict guidelines have since been eliminated. Experts now say you dont need to stick to any specific heart rate limits while exercising during pregnancy.
Instead of focusing on the number on a heart rate monitor, know the signs you should look for in your own body. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynocologists recommends that pregnant women get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week. Whats considered a moderate workout? Your heart rate is raisedwith no max limitand youre starting to sweat, but you can still talk normally. As a mom-to-be, you should never exercise so vigorously that youre out of breath or cant finish a sentence.
Pushing yourself too hard can raise your body temperature, which can lead to birth defects. It can also lead to dehydration, which could put you at risk for preterm labor. If youre extremely thirsty, fatigued, have a headache, are dizzy or lightheaded, or have dark-colored pee, chances are youre dehydrated.
According to the ACOG, if you see any of the following warning signs, stop exercising immediately and reach out to your healthcare provider:
- Shortness of breath before starting exercise
Pregnancy Sleep: Disturbances And Dehydration
When preparing for a child, you definitely hear about the lack of sleep you can expect once the baby arrives. However, what you dont hear about as often is the sleep disruption you can expect throughout your pregnancy. My WHOOP data displayed quite a shift in my sleep patterns, especially during the first and third trimesters:
Nausea, hormones, and discomfort as you grow in size all contribute to sleep disruptions throughout the night. But I found that dehydration also played a part in my decreasing sleep quality. As your body mass increases, it becomes harder to regulate body temperature and meet your hydration requirement needs. In fact, most pregnant women do not reach these hydration needs.
My best bet became monitoring my water intake throughout the day, and moving all of my workouts indoors and into air conditioning. Pregnancy alone can lead to dehydration and sleep disturbances. A pregnancy with a third trimester during the summer makes that even harder. Then add a pregnancy during a global pandemic where masks are constantly required, and you can understand why it might be difficult to maintain hydration.
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How Do I Get Ready For Fetal Heart Monitoring
- Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have about the procedure.
- You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear.
- The consent form for fetal heart monitoring may be included as part of the general consent for labor and birth.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, or anesthesia.
- If fetal heart rate monitoring is done along with another monitoring test, you may be asked to eat a meal before the test. This can help make your baby more active.
- The amniotic sac must be broken and your cervix must be dilated several centimeters before the internal device can be put in place.
- Follow any other instructions your provider gives you to get ready.
Diagnosis Of Increased Heart Rate During Pregnancy
Your doctor will conduct a series of tests to ensure that both you and your baby are in the prime of health. He will also review your medical history. If you have experienced this problem before, you should inform your doctor about it. The doctor will determine the cause of increased heart rate through an EKG or ECG that measures changes in the blood flow and heart rate.
Basis the results, the doctor will most likely suggest you to follow a healthy diet and indulge in light exercises. This will keep your weight in check and will also prevent additional pressure on the heart.
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Heart Palpitations During Pregnancy: A Common Complaint
This symptom isnt necessarily cause for concern. Heart palpitations during pregnancy are common, occurring in 60% of pregnant women. Dr. Mudd says: Palpitations are an unpleasant sensation of the forceful, rapid or irregular beating of the heart. They may feel like fluttering or pounding in the chest. She explains that as long as they are infrequent and short-lived, heart palpitations are not a problem, but if a patient is concerned or worried, they should always consult with their obstetrician.
There are a few reasons why pregnant women might experience heart palpitations, including anxiety, the consumption of caffeine or drugs, heart problems like arrhythmia, or other underlying heart conditions. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or the palpitations are frequent or prolonged, you should seek medical attention, advises Dr. Mudd.
Heart Palpitations And Pregnancy
A womans body undergoes many physical, hormonal, as well as psychological changes during the nine months of the pregnancy. Some of these changes are quite noticeable such as an expanding belly, weight gain, tender and swollen breasts, aches or discomfort. Some other issues are not that noticeable but can still create issues. Pregnant women may also exhibit symptoms of a mental condition which may require Pregnant Mental Health services.
Increase in blood volume during pregnancy is one such change that is rarely noticed, but it can lead to faster resting heart rate as the heart has to work hard to circulate the extra blood. This extra exertion on the heart can sometimes lead to heart palpitations during pregnancy. So what are heart palpitations and what causes them during pregnancy?
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Abnormal Fetal Heart Rate
Sometimes a fetal heart rate is outside the normal range simply because the fetus is moving around. Other times, it indicates a health concern for the baby. When the healthcare team detects a possible problem, their first step will be to try to find the cause.
Depending on the stage of pregnancy, different tests will be used to clarify the problem. Sometimes, a fetal heart rate is abnormal because of something happening in the mothers body. These are called maternal causes and may include:
When To Seek Medical Care
If youre experiencing heart palpitations regularly, or they seem to be lasting longer or getting worse, discuss it with your doctor. In cases where the palpitations are a sign of something more serious, theyre generally accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- A rapid heart rate that doesnt go away
- Shortness of breath without exertion
If you have these symptoms along with heart palpitations, your doctor may suggest additional tests such as an EKG or blood tests.
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What Causes Pregnancy Heart Palpitations
During pregnancy, many changes happen that affect your entire body, including your heart and blood vessels. Over the course of pregnancy, your blood volume increases by almost 50%. This means your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your body. It sends much of this blood to your growing fetus . Your heart rate speeds up to get the job done.
Many factors can increase your risk of heart palpitations when youre pregnant. They include:
- Anemia . This condition commonly affects pregnant women because of changes in the blood during pregnancy. Fluid in the blood increases more than the number of red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
- Anxiety and depression. Heart palpitations can happen if youre under a lot of stress or feel anxious.
- Caffeine, especially in coffee and chocolate. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, sodium , sugar or fat can cause a racing heart.
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Electrolytes are minerals that control your hearts rhythm.
- Extra weight and obesity. People who carry extra weight before and during pregnancy have an increased risk of irregular heart rate and other heart disease.
- Hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy.
- Hypotension , a common condition during pregnancy.
Less commonly, heart palpitations result from a health condition or disorder, including:
How Can I Get A Better Nights Sleep
Early in your pregnancy, try to get into the habit of sleeping on your side. Lying on your side with your knees bent is likely to be the most comfortable position as your pregnancy progresses. It also makes your heart’s job easier because it keeps the baby’s weight from applying pressure to the large vein that carries blood back to the heart from your feet and legs.
But don’t drive yourself crazy worrying that you might roll over onto your back during the night. Shifting positions is a natural part of sleeping that you can’t control.
Try experimenting with pillows to find a comfortable sleeping position. Some women place a pillow under their abdomen or between their legs. Also, using a bunched-up pillow or rolled-up blanket at the small of your back may help to relieve some pressure. In fact, you’ll see many “pregnancy pillows” on the market. If you’re thinking about buying one, talk with your doctor first about which might work for you.
Over-the-counter sleep aids, including herbal remedies, are not recommended for pregnant women.
Instead, these tips may safely improve your chances of getting a good night’s sleep:
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What Is Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Or Ppcm
Peripartum cardiomyopathy also known as postpartum or pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy is a rare form of heart failure that shows up the first five to six months after delivery or, less commonly, during the last month of pregnancy.
It occurs when the heart’s chambers enlarge and its muscles weaken, preventing this vital organ from pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. It can sap a new mom’s or mom-to-be’s strength and make breathing difficult.
PPCM affects about 1,000 to 1,300 American women each year, and according to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , it’s the leading cause of maternal deaths in the U.S. This condition also has higher mortality rates for women of color and low-income women. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs and seek the proper diagnosis and treatment if they occur.
Tips To Reduce Palpitations During Pregnancy
- Your heart palpitations should decrease if you get enough rest. Get comfortable and lie down on your bed and take a short nap. You’ll feel better.
- Pregnancy can make you prone to dehydration, which can trigger an increased heart rate. Therefore, stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids and avoid dehydration.
- It is very common for any pregnant woman to experience mood swings or become emotional during pregnancy. This can trigger stress and lead to an increased heart rate.
- Drinking coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages can cause an increased heart rate during pregnancy. Therefore, keep the intake of such products to a minimum.
- Some over-the-counter cold and cough medications may contain stimulants. Stimulant medications can cause an increased heart rate.
- The best way to control heart palpitations is by taking a cold shower. Coldwater normalizes your heart rate and makes you feel better and more relaxed.
- A Valsalva maneuver is a breathing technique that can help restore a normal heart rhythm if your heart is beating too fast.
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What To Expect When Youre Expecting
People get busy this time of yearand were not talking about holiday parties: National statistics show that most babies are born between July and Septembermaking winter the most common time to conceive.
But thats not all. Thanks to the holidays, this is also the time of the year when people are most likely to get a new Fitbit tracker.
If youre a mom-to-be, dont delay on activating your device your tracker can be a great way to monitor whether youre hitting many of the prenatal wellness goals your doctor is likely to recommend. Below, how your bodyand dashboardmay change during pregnancy.
Internal Fetal Heart Monitoring
This method uses a thin wire put on your babys scalp. The wireruns from the baby through your cervix. It is connected to the monitor.This method gives better readings because things like movement dont affectit. But it can only be done if the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the babyduring pregnancy has broken and the cervix is opened. Yourprovider may use internal monitoring when external monitoring is not givinga good reading. Or your provider may use this method to watch your babymore closely during labor.
During labor, your healthcare provider will watch your uterine contractionsand your babys heart rate. Your provider will note how often you arehaving contractions and how long each lasts. Because the fetal heart rateand contractions are recorded at the same time, these results can be lookedat together and compared.
Your provider may check the pressure inside your uterus while doinginternal fetal heart monitoring. To do this, he or she will put a thin tube through your cervix and into your uterus. The catheter will senduterine pressure readings to a monitor.
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