Heart palpitations - can’t get in touch with GP

[Whatthedoodle]

I’m 25+5 and for the last few days I’ve had very short episodes of heart palpitations lasting about 30 seconds long. I’ve not been worried but this morning it’s lasted well over an hour and a half. I feel very tired and occasionally light headed so I’m not sure if this is a symptom of anaemia? It’s been a while since any blood tests and I won’t have more til 28 weeks.
When I’m resting I can feel my heart beating faster, as if I’m say on a brisk walk. If I get up to actually do something (e.g I’ve just had to pull my toddler away from the fire place because he wanted to eat the fake coal) my heart really starts beating out my chest.

Previously I’ve had heart palpitations without being pregnant and had a 24 hour heart monitor which didn’t really pick up much but I have been advised to not have much caffeine as a precaution, which I don’t anyway.

It’s too late to speak to my GP but it’s worrying me how exhausted I feel along side the palpitations. I’m not shaking but feel a bit shaky if that makes any sense at all.

I’m just not sure what to do really. Has anyone had this and it has passed?

I’ve eaten, had plenty to drink and tried to rest as much as possible but I can’t shake it.

Sorry just to add I mean it’s too late to speak to my GP over the phone today as all the appointments have been taken, I’d have to call tomorrow at 8am.

Can you call 111? They might be able to help.

Personally I would call 111 if you’ve not been able to get a GP appointment.

Anxiety can cause this, and so the more you think about it the worse it gets.
Can you contact your MW ?
I would ring the GP surgery and explain the situation. Just because the appointments have gone doesn’t mean they can’t ring you.

I don’t feel particularly anxious because I’ve had this before (just not for as long) but I wouldn’t rule out a bit of anxiety in the mix. I’ve spoken to the GP surgery who said they can try and get a doctor to call but I’m to call later on this afternoon if I’ve not heard anything. In previous experience this doesn’t usually mean much as the GPs are so busy especially as I didn’t fall first thing so I’m doubtful that I’d get a call back.

I think what’s getting to me at the minute is I’ve had lots of sleep over the past few days and I still feel absolutely exhausted and lethargic so I’m wondering if it could be anaemia or something similar. I’ve never had a problem with iron levels before so I wouldn’t know exactly what to look out for.

It could very well be anaemia.
Make that call again if needs be and push to check your levels.

Sounds like classic iron needed.

I had this when pregnant, my midwife wasn't concerned at all and just ignored me about it really. I've had it when feeling anxious too. But if you are worried about feeling tired as well call 111. Better to be safe if you are pregnant.

It's very very common on pregnancy. Due to the additional blood volume. I had it recently and they kept asking me over and over if I was sure I wasn't pregnant (I'm definitely not) and I said no I'm going through menopause and that is also a very common symptom. Nothing really to worry about, but check with your gp if you want to put your mind at ease.

I'm 24 weeks now and been having ectopic heartbeats almost constantly since around six weeks. I used to get them occasionally pre-pregnancy but this has been virtually non stop (worst in evenings). I had an ecg around 11 weeks, which GP said was fine - as in: he could see the ectopic beats but no other underlying heart conditions. He said it was probably just a result of all the circulatory changes that happen in your body during pregnancy and that it'd probably settle down eventually once my body adjusted....needless to say it hasn't and I still get them all the time. Its unpleasant but I'm sort of learning to live with it. Just hoping goes away once baby is here! Saw my midwife last week who has encouraged me to go back to gp and have it looked at again. Think she just wants to be doubly sure there's nothing they need to take into consideration during labour. My main concern is that they'll want me hooked up to monitors during labour which might limit my birth choices / moving around...fingers crossed I can convince them otherwise. Am pretty confident its a benign pregnancy problem.

My advice would be - def get it checked on with an ecg at your gp. Its unlikely they'll find anything suspect but best to be sure. And let your midwife know at next appt.

Thanks all, much to my surprise a gp called me back straight away. We timed my pulse rate over the phone a few times and he said it was much much higher than what he would say was normal even for an elevated pulse rate in pregnancy. He’s referred me for an ecg in A&E along with a blood test in case it is anaemia. This has happened outside of pregnancy so I’m not too worried but there are heart issues that run in the family so it’s probably a precaution. Whenever I’ve had anything similar in the past it’s been thoroughly investigated due to family history and although so far all has been fine it’s very nice to have the reassurance.

I think being pregnant we sometimes underestimate how much our bodies go through.

You can always call your maternity assessment unit who should see you right away. It is probably likely due to pregnancy but they will also do ecg plus blood test to check your iron and electrolytes. Hope everything is ok.

I've also had this for a few weeks now and am 28 + 4. The midwife wasn't worried as I work
In a hospital and got ECG which showed ectopic heartbeats. Apparently very common in pregnancy and as others say due to increased blood volumes during pregnancy. Doesn't stop it being scary though!!! I find it comes and goes, some days don't notice it but today it's been bad 😖