We explain why palpitations and a fast heart rate are so common in pregnancy, and how to separate normal physiological change from signs that need urgent assessment. We walk through the questions we ask, the tests we choose, and how we stay reassuring while still taking symptoms seriously. 
• normal pregnancy physiology and a typical 10 to 20 bpm rise in resting pulse 
• why a high heart rate is a general sign of illness rather than a diagnosis 
• infection screening in pregnancy including urine and chest symptoms 
• iron deficiency anaemia and why low haemoglobin drives tachycardia 
• thyroid function tests as part of a sensible blood work-up 
• when breathlessness and oxygen levels point towards lung causes 
• recognising red flags for pulmonary embolism and checking for leg clots 
• ECG as a snapshot and why intermittent symptoms may need longer monitoring 
• what a 24-hour tape involves and how an event log helps interpretation 
• likely results including sinus rhythm and sinus tachycardia 
• rarer arrhythmias in pregnancy including SVT and atrial fibrillation or flutter 
• treatment options including carotid sinus massage, medication, and MDT care 

Want to know more?

https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/heart-palpitations/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470211824054617

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/supraventricular-tachycardia-svt/

https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/leaflets-a-z/bisoprolol/

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Thank you all for listening,  My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.
If you have found my ideas helpful whilst expecting your baby or working in maternity care please spread the word & help theobspod reach other parents or staff who may be interested in exploring all things pregnancy and birth.
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Its easy to explore my back catalogue of episodes, I have a wide range of topics that may help you make decisions for yourself and your baby during pregnancy as well as some more reflective episodes on life as a doctor.
If you want to get in touch to suggest topics, I love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can find out more about me on Instagram @TheObsPod and email me on [email protected] Please also check out #MatExp matexp.org.uk for ideas about how to improve maternity experience.
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