Heart Palpitations in Pregnancy: Causes, Relief & When to Worry

Question
Hi. I didn't feel this way at all in my first pregnancy but in my second right as i found out i was pregnant i seemed to be hypersensitive to sugar, sweets, caffeine. It was really bad in the first trimester but i attributed it to the excitement of being pregnant. It continued in the second trimester, and after a day of biking i tried to fall asleep that night but had such a hard time windind down. I had a racing heartbeat and anxiety. It took me a while to fall asleep but i finally did only to get awakened 2 hours later with the most awful pain, like a constant contraction, like my cervix was trying to open, it was excrusiating. It lasted about 10 minutes and eased up. I was wondering why i would feel so speedy from eating sweets(no overactive thyroid, perfect bloodpressure) and what would have caused that pain. I don't think the bike ride would have done anything hours later. Do you think that speedy feeling(palpitations) could have done anything, can it harm anything? Please Help! KIM

Answer
It is quite common to develop palpitations during pregnancy and it is, mose likely, not due to eating sweets. YOu may have had some transient hypotension due to the exercise. I cannot explain the sensation you had in your vagina, but if you continue to have episodes of sudden contractions, you have to be evaluated for preterm labor or an incompetent cervix. This is easily diagnosed. Make sure that you are well hydrated (drink plenty of water) and call your doctor if any of these symptoms recur.