From the Guidelines
A heart rate above 130 beats per minute is considered tachycardia in pregnant women, according to the most recent guidelines. During pregnancy, a woman's heart rate typically increases by about 10-20 beats per minute above her pre-pregnancy baseline 1. The normal resting heart rate for a pregnant woman ranges from 80-100 beats per minute, though it can occasionally reach up to 110 beats per minute. This increase occurs because the cardiovascular system adapts to pregnancy by increasing blood volume and cardiac output to support the growing fetus.
Key Points to Consider
- Heart rates above 120-140 beats per minute while at rest may be concerning and warrant medical attention.
- During exercise, pregnant women should generally not exceed a heart rate of 140-150 beats per minute, though this recommendation has become more individualized in recent years.
- Instead of focusing solely on heart rate, pregnant women should use the "talk test" during exercise - being able to carry on a conversation indicates an appropriate intensity level.
- If a pregnant woman experiences sustained rapid heart rate (tachycardia) accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting, she should seek immediate medical care as these could indicate complications such as anemia, thyroid issues, or cardiac problems.
Clinical Guidelines
The European Society of Hypertension recommends that a heart rate above 130 beats per minute be considered a warning sign for potential complications in pregnant women 1. This guideline emphasizes the importance of monitoring heart rate and other vital signs in pregnant women to quickly identify any potential issues.
Monitoring and Management
Pregnant women with pre-existing heart disease or those who develop heart failure during pregnancy require close monitoring and management by a multidisciplinary team 1. The goal is to balance the health of the mother and the fetus, and in some cases, immediate delivery may be necessary. In summary, a heart rate above 130 beats per minute is considered abnormal in pregnant women and warrants medical attention. Pregnant women should be aware of the signs of tachycardia and seek medical care if they experience any concerning symptoms.
From the Research
Normal Heart Rate in Pregnancy
- The normal heart rate for a pregnant woman can vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and physical activity level 2.
- According to one study, the lower limit of normal heart rate is 100 beats per minute up to 6.2 weeks' gestation and 120 bpm at 6.3-7.0 weeks 3.
- Another study suggests that normal first trimester fetal heart rates rise from an average of 100 beats per minute at 5 to 6 weeks to 140 bpm at 8 to 9 weeks 4.
Tachycardia in Pregnancy
- Tachycardia, or an abnormally fast heart rate, is defined as a heart rate above 120 beats per minute in some studies 5.
- In Denmark, a heart rate above 100 beats per minute is considered a reason to perform an electrocardiogram in pregnant women 6.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women not exceed a heart rate of 140 beats per minute with physical activity 2.
Heart Rate Monitoring in Pregnancy
- Monitoring heart rate is important in pregnancy, especially in women with a history of heart problems or those who experience symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath 5, 6.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the normal heart rate ranges in pregnancy and monitor women who exceed these ranges or experience symptoms 2, 6.