Pregnancy brings many surprising changes — from glowing skin to morning sickness and emotional ups and downs. However, one sensation that can be alarming is a heart flutter — a feeling that your heart is skipping beats, racing suddenly, or pounding harder than usual.
If you’ve experienced heart fluttering in pregnancy, you’re not alone. This sensation, also called heart palpitations, is quite common among pregnant women. In most cases, it’s harmless and caused by normal pregnancy changes. But sometimes, it may signal something that needs medical attention.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about heart fluttering during pregnancy, including what causes it, when to worry, how to relieve it, and how it can affect you and your baby.
1. What Does Heart Fluttering in Pregnancy Feel Like?
A heart flutter can feel different from person to person. Many describe it as:
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A sudden skip or pause in the heartbeat
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A racing pulse or pounding heart
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A fluttering sensation in the chest or throat
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Irregular beats that come and go
During pregnancy, this sensation can be mild and brief or, in some cases, more noticeable — especially when you’re resting, lying down, or feeling anxious.
Why It Feels Stronger During Pregnancy
Your heart is working harder than ever. It pumps about 30–50% more blood to support your growing baby. This increased demand, along with hormonal changes, can make your heartbeats more noticeable. So even though your heart might be beating normally, it can feel like it’s fluttering or skipping.
For most pregnant women, this is a normal physiological response and not a sign of disease. But understanding the underlying causes helps you stay alert and safe.
Also read: Is Biossance Lift & Firm Bi-Phase Serum Safe for Pregnancy?
2. Common Causes of Heart Fluttering in Pregnancy
Heart fluttering in pregnancy can happen for several reasons — most of them harmless. Let’s break them down.
2.1 Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy hormones, especially progesterone and estrogen, have a major effect on your cardiovascular system. They help relax your blood vessels and increase blood volume. However, these hormonal shifts can also influence your heart’s rhythm, causing mild irregularities or palpitations.
2.2 Increased Blood Volume
By the second trimester, your body is circulating a significantly larger volume of blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to your baby. To handle this load, your heart beats faster — sometimes by 10 to 20 extra beats per minute. The extra effort can make your heartbeat feel stronger, creating that “fluttering” sensation.
2.3 Stress and Anxiety
Pregnancy is an emotional journey, and anxiety is common. When you’re anxious, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which can cause your heart to beat faster or irregularly. Even mild emotional stress can trigger fluttering, especially in the third trimester.
2.4 Caffeine and Stimulants
Caffeine from coffee, tea, energy drinks, or even chocolate can stimulate your heart. Because pregnancy slows caffeine metabolism, the effect can be stronger, making you feel jittery or cause your heart to flutter.
2.5 Dehydration and Low Blood Sugar
Skipping meals, nausea, or vomiting can reduce your fluid and sugar levels — both of which affect your heartbeat. Dehydration thickens the blood, and low blood sugar can trigger your body’s stress response, increasing heart rate.
2.6 Physical Strain
Simple activities like walking upstairs or standing too long can cause a temporary increase in heart rate. Since your body carries more weight and your lungs have less space, your heart compensates by working faster, which may feel like fluttering.
2.7 Anemia (Low Iron Levels)
Pregnant women are prone to anemia due to increased iron demands. When your red blood cells can’t carry enough oxygen, your heart beats faster to make up for it — often leading to palpitations.
2.8 Thyroid Changes
Pregnancy can sometimes trigger thyroid hormone fluctuations. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can increase your metabolism and heart rate, leading to frequent flutters.
Also read: What Is the Health Triangle?
3. When Heart Fluttering in Pregnancy Might Be a Warning Sign
While most heart flutters in pregnancy are harmless, some may point to an underlying heart condition or other medical concern.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Contact your doctor immediately if your heart fluttering comes with any of the following:
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Chest pain or pressure
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Shortness of breath that worsens
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Dizziness or fainting
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Rapid heartbeat lasting more than a few minutes
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Swelling in hands, feet, or face
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Irregular heartbeats that don’t settle with rest
Possible Serious Causes
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Arrhythmias: Some women may have irregular heart rhythms that need monitoring or treatment.
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Heart disease: Rare but possible, especially if you have a family history of cardiac conditions.
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High blood pressure or preeclampsia: These can strain your heart and require prompt medical care.
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Thyroid imbalance: Too much thyroid hormone can accelerate the heart.
Don’t ignore persistent fluttering — always let your healthcare provider evaluate it. They may check your pulse, perform an ECG (electrocardiogram), or run blood tests to ensure everything is normal.
4. Natural Ways to Reduce Heart Fluttering During Pregnancy
If your doctor confirms that your heart fluttering is normal, there are safe, natural steps to reduce discomfort and prevent it from happening frequently.
4.1 Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for 8–10 glasses daily unless your doctor advises otherwise. Dehydration is one of the easiest triggers of palpitations.
4.2 Eat Balanced Meals Regularly
Low blood sugar can trigger heart flutters. Eat small, balanced meals every 3–4 hours, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Avoid skipping meals.
4.3 Limit Caffeine and Sugar
Caffeine and refined sugar can both overstimulate your heart. Choose decaffeinated beverages and natural snacks instead.
4.4 Manage Stress
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, prenatal yoga, meditation, or gentle walks can calm your nervous system. Reducing stress is one of the most effective ways to minimize fluttering.
4.5 Get Enough Rest
Fatigue and lack of sleep can increase heart strain. Try to get at least 7–8 hours of restful sleep and take short naps when needed.
4.6 Avoid Overexertion
Avoid strenuous activities that make you breathless or dizzy. Instead, choose moderate exercises approved by your healthcare provider.
4.7 Increase Iron Intake
If you’re diagnosed with anemia, your doctor may recommend iron supplements or iron-rich foods such as spinach, lentils, red meat, and fortified cereals.
4.8 Monitor and Record Episodes
Keep a simple log of when and how often you experience flutters, along with what you were doing or feeling at the time. This helps your doctor identify possible triggers.
5. How Heart Fluttering Affects You and Your Baby
Most heart flutters during pregnancy do not harm your baby. They’re simply a result of your body working harder to nourish and protect your child.
Effects on the Mother
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You may feel anxious or uncomfortable when it happens.
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Some women experience fatigue after an episode.
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In rare cases of heart disease, untreated fluttering can strain the heart, leading to complications.
Effects on the Baby
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Mild palpitations typically have no direct effect.
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However, if the mother experiences severe anemia, thyroid imbalance, or arrhythmia, it could affect oxygen supply to the baby — which is why regular prenatal checkups are vital.
Your doctor will monitor both your heart and your baby’s health closely during antenatal visits to ensure everything stays on track.
6. When to Seek Medical Help Immediately
Go to the hospital or call your healthcare provider right away if you experience:
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Persistent heart fluttering lasting more than 10 minutes
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Chest tightness or pain
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Difficulty breathing or fainting
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Severe dizziness or confusion
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Sudden swelling in the hands, feet, or face
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Fast or irregular heartbeat that feels uncontrollable
These symptoms may indicate arrhythmia, anemia, or cardiovascular stress, which requires professional evaluation. Never ignore severe or recurring palpitations.
7. Final Thoughts: Staying Calm and Healthy
Feeling your heart flutter during pregnancy can be worrying — but in most cases, it’s completely normal and temporary. Your body is working tirelessly to grow and nourish your baby, and that extra effort can make your heartbeat more noticeable.
By staying hydrated, resting well, managing stress, and keeping up with prenatal checkups, you can minimize these sensations and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
Always listen to your body — if something feels unusual or persistent, speak with your healthcare provider. Reassurance and proper evaluation are key to keeping both you and your baby safe.