Palpitations or baby kicks?

[alovelycuppatea]

Hi everyone. I'm 17+6 with my first and have been desperately trying to feel some movement although I know it is still quite early for that. For the last week I have definitely had what feel like heart palpitations in the centre of my chest, every night when I get into bed. Could this be the baby moving or do you think it IS actually palpitations? I've got nothing to compare it to as this is #1 so interested to see if others would describe the feeling like this? Just seems a bit too high to be baby kicks so suspect I am clutching at straws! Thanks

For me it was right down in my abdomen - where you'd feel period pains sort of area - so it doesn't sound like it to me, sorry.

It does happen really suddenly - I had a fluttering feeling right out of the blue which must have been around the 17/18 weeks stage (everyone is different of course) but it was only very tiny, gentle movements for ages. So hopefully you'll see what I mean soon.

If you're feeling it in your chest is more likely to be palpitations in afraid.

Your blood volume increases in pregnancy by about 20% so you can feel the rushing of blood and your heart beat much more easily. That's the most likely cause of the feeling in your chest but if you do worry about palpitations I'd get it checked out. It can be a sign of quite serious things but equally, in pregnancy, you're quite prone to anaemia and this can present with palpitations and breathlessness.

It sounds like you're not feeling movement yet. It will be low down in your abdomen and usually starts as little pops, flutters and bubbles.

I don't think you would be feeling them in your chest, at that stage baby is really low down, much lower than your belly button.

Thanks everyone. I guess it sounds like palpitations after all. Will go to doctor as have had overactive thyroid issues in the past so perhaps that is making an unwelcome return. Haven't felt anything that low down yet :(

Couldn't be kicks up that high at this stage. But it's still so early, it could potentially be another month before you feel movements so no point getting worked up about it now.

alovelycuppa, don't be sad. You have months of kicks ahead of you. Get a quick onceover. Your heart will be beating faster right now, your blood volume will be higher, you iron levels may well be lower, your blood pressure may be altered. All of this can make things feel different but with your medical history and with any concern whatsoever about palpitations, you should just be checked over for peace of mind so if it is anything, it can be treated promptly and you can get on with enjoying your pregnancy.

I get palpitations every night when I go to bed too, I can feel my heart beating strongly. I'm 18+1 and also desperate to feel movement too but for be at the moment it's definitely palpitations.

I get palpitations on an evening too, I also have a strong pulse in my neck and middle of my stomach.
My baby kicks were very low to start with.