Your blood volume rises by up to half and your resting heart rate goes up by 10 to 20 beats a minute, so you are more likely to notice your heartbeat.
Usually harmless
- a slightly faster heartbeat at rest
- occasional skipped or extra beats
- palpitations with anaemia, which is common in pregnancy and easy to check
Contact your midwife, GP or maternity unit the same day if you have
- palpitations that are fast and don't settle, or that keep coming back
- palpitations with breathlessness that is getting worse or is worse lying flat
- a known heart condition
Call 999 if palpitations come with chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness.
Our role
In pregnancy, your midwife and GP should be your first contact, as your maternity team needs to know about new symptoms. We can see you for a consultation during pregnancy and provide a specialist cardiology opinion alongside your maternity care. With your consent, we'll share our advice with your team.
Medically reviewed by Dr Aftab Gill, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist (GMC 4499826). Last reviewed October 2026. This page gives general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.