Elevated Heart Rate During Pregnancy: What to Expect & When to Worry

Question
I am currently 35 weeks pregnant and I have a concern about my heart rate.  Before I got pregnant, my average resting pulse was 75.  Throughout my pregnancy it has gone up and has been averaging about 85.  The last few days though, my pulse will not go below 90.  It's actually been averaging 95-100, even first thing in the morning when I get out of bed (a couple of times it's been 102, 104).  I know that these numbers are still in the "normal" range and that my heart is working a lot harder because I am pregnant, but at the same time I am a little concerned with the high numbers.  I have also noticed over the last week that my skin has a flushed appearance people keep asking me if I'm too hot, which I haven't been), especially when I wake up in the morning or have been lying down for a period of time.  I have been keeping an eye on my blood pressure and it has been averaging between 106/56 to nothing over 118/72.

Could you please tell me what my higher heart rate and flushed appearance could be from and if I should be concerned.  Thank you in advance for your help.

Courtni

Answer
Dear Courtni,

By the 27th week of pregnancy, we expect your HR to have risen by 15-25% from its pre-pregnancy rate. As long as your resting heart rate is still below 140 BPM, there should be no problem. And your BPs are fantastic. The flushing is very, very normal and a result of increased circulation related to the pregnancy.

Everything sounds perfectly fine at this point. I hope I have helped you and this has answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda