Shortness of Breath & Heart Palpitations in Pregnancy: Causes & Safety

Question
Dear Doctor Rappaport,

Hi, my name is Sarajane. I am 27 weeks pregnant and all through my pregnancy I've often experienced heavy, irregular, and fast heartbeats, and also shortness of breath. My question is are these normal during pregnancy and will these symptoms endanger my labor and delivery?

Thank you very much for your time.

Sarajane

Answer
During pregnancy, every woman experiences shortness of breath, palpatation of the heart, and irregular heartbeat. This is due to the pressure that the baby is exerting on the pleural cavity. It is normal and will not cause any danger to you or to the baby. You will return to normal after the delivery of the baby.