Heart palpitations

[Phmoo]

Hello.
I'm 29 weeks and my heart palpitations have got worse and worse recently.
I haven't had caffeine for around 3 years, and don't drink cola or coffee anyway.
I haven't drunk alcohol for over a year so it's not that.
The midwife said it might be a sign of anaemia but my last Hb level was 14, so that's fine.

Has anyone suffered similar symptoms?

Any advice appreciated.

[Piffle]

can also be low potassium
Bananas and chocolate

[Phmoo]

Interesting - I have just had a large bowl of banana custard!

[Piffle]

i only found this out when I was in hosp at 21 wks having appendix out and Dr said your potassium is low, it can lead to heart palps so eat bananas and choc, or take a supplement
If you are due any bloods worth asking your m/w to check it as easily sorted

[julen]

Yes, I had them with my 3, and it seemed to get worse with each pregnancy. Doctor/mw told me it was OK and quite normal. I had a checkup in hospital with the last one, but all was well.
They disappeared once they were born..

hth.., and hope thatbyou're OK!

[Phmoo]

I'm due another blood test in 2 weeks, and had one last week for glucose and iron (apparently!)
Waiting for the results...

Thanks for all the advice. Have just eaten some chocolate.

In the name of medical science of course.

[murcimari]

yepp, I first had them at about 20 weeks into my previous pg, and afraid to say that they started much earlier with this current pg as I'm only 12 wks today. Usually not very serious, they go away after a few minutes...otherwise can be controlled by beta-blockers, but so far, it hasn't come to that.
Unfortunately, my condition never really went away after my dd was born, but learnt to live with it now.
When you feel the palpitations coming on, gently start massaging the arteries in your neck, right below your ears. Massage them by lifting your fingers after each stroke, don't push them down continuously...this should help regulate the bloodflow to your heart and stop the irregular heartbeat.
Another tip (from my cardiologist) that I've tried and sometimes worked was drinking some really cold water. I was also advised against the squatting position when in labour, as all your internal organs are pushed up in your chest, which can trigger an episode. I was really afraid of not being able to give birth vaginally, but in the end I had the most naturally birth one can hope for. Good luck to you too!