What should a normal resting pulse be?

Question

I'm 27 + 1 with number 2. I have had quite a few palpitations during the last couple of months but a few times, including today.

I feel like my pulse is racing. My blood pressure has been quite low during this pregnancy (about 115/65) but when I feel my heart racing, my blood pressure is averaging about 110/55. My resting pulse has not been below 100 beats per minute. Last reading I took was 130 beats per minute, after about 15 mins resting.

I feel quite weak and my arms and chest feel aching, although not painful at all.

Should I make a doctors appointment? I'm sure as soon as I get there I will be fine. I went the other week as my blood pressure was really low but when I'm in the doctors it magically goes higher, bringing it into the normal range.

Answer 1

Anything over 100 is cause for concern.

At 27 weeks I was admitted into hospital for a day with a pulse of 150 at rest (my blood pressure was similar to yours, but that is normal for me).They did some tests, ECG, blood gases, urine and bloods ... looking for infection, blood clots, low hb levels and thyroid problems. They also monitored the baby to check if it was in any distress. As well as running through any other significant symptoms.

There was nothing medically wrong with me, but the doctor said there is nothing to lower it other than rest and they don't like pregnant women to have a high pulse. It was put down to my bodies reaction to the pregnancy.

My pulse remained between 110 - 145 for a further 4 weeks (off sick from work). It has now settled at about 100. I am now 33.5 weeks pregnant and the doctor has kept me off work. I haven't had any symptoms other than quite alot of dizziness (I feel a bit of a fraud being off work really).

Just in case there is something wrong, you need to get checked out. If not, it was enough to cause the doctor enough concern to keep me off work and see me weekly.

Therefore, yes, I think you should make a doctors appointment. Good luck.

Answer 2

I am 26+ 4 with my second, and had exactly/having the same problem. My blood pressure dipped to about 90/50 and was passing out. I have just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Now I am not implying you have this, but I would definitely get this checked out. I was also told that drinking loadsa fluids i.e water will help raise your Bp a bit.

Good luck and I hope its nothing too serious.

Answer 3

you are obliviously very concerned about this. your resting pulse of an average healthy adult is 60-80 bpm. even though your heart enlarges during pregnancy to accommodate for your extra circulatory workload your pulse hardly changes, it heart just beats stronger so at times it feels like its going to jump out of your chest but that's usually towards the end of your pregnancy when heart load is at its strongest. your pulse shouldn't be 130 beats a min. no wonder you feel knackered. you really need to get it checked out because if your heart rate is high your baby's may also be high which isn't normal for him. your blood pressure seams fine and may go up cos you are nervous at the Dr's. if really concerned phone your ante-natal clinic and ask to see your obs consultant. good luck

Answer 4

i would see ur gp and tell him as a racing pulse mite be a sign of anemea (low red blood cells that carry oxygen around ur body). r u getting out of breath easly, i mean any more than usual as its difficult to breahe when heavily pregnant anyway? since i had both my children my bp has been 90/50 and it didnt go up that much when i was pregnant anyway never went past 100/70 and i feel weak cold and tired sometimes go dizzy but only when i stand up too quick, but after i had my second my resting pulse was 125 bpm and i was given a blood transfusion as my blood count was only 6.7 and the racing pulse was i sign of the low blood count, that meant my heart was haviong to work harder and faster to keep the oxygen going around my body.
so i would get to ur gp or midwife to rule out anemea as it can be very serious.
good luck with everything and take care

Answer 5

obviously you are charting it yourself somehow so I would make a note everytime and take it with you as proof when it magically goes normal again.

fluctuating blood pressure is quite normal but they need to rule out pre-eclampsia if it stays high. Have you been tested for protein in your urine at all? high protein can be a factor in pre-eclampsia also.

You could just be getting anxious so it is making it go crazy. take some rests and breaths and stay off your feet when you can as this will probably help. drink plenty of water as well.

best of luck

Answer 6

Normal = 72 bpm

Answer 7

during pregnancy it can be all over the place , best talk to your doc to get re assured, stressing over it will make it worse, good luck. well done.

Answer 8

60-100 i know that cause i seen it on a lifeguard rescue show last night!!!!!