Irregular heartbeat

[Mizzztaylor]

Im 31+2 and all day I've been getting brief stabbing pains in my chest followed by my heart skipping a beat. Is this anything I should be concerned about or is it a common pregnancy symptom? I can't believe I'm asking this. I'm an EMT and have been trained that any chest pain no matter how minor should be taken seriously. I just was wondering if other pregnant women have experienced the same thing and no what causes it.

[Mizzztaylor]

Thanks so much. That was very helpful. Under normal circumstances I would be a bit more concerned but I know pregnancy can do so many abnormal things to our bodies that I just figured this was one of them. It just kind of scares me when my heart slows way down like you described. I have been experiencing shortness of breath but that isn't really anything new. I've had that since my second trimester.

[DNP47]

Its not totally uncommon, alot of pregnant women experience palpitations, however you should mention it to your doctor. Youre an EMT, can you hook  yourself up at work and read what type of rhythm your having?

Youre probably having PVCs, I get them and they scare the crap out of me, but they dont do me any harm. I get scared when I get my SVT, but the occational PVCs dont cause me chest pain typically.

Just bc youre an EMT, dont talk yourself out of talking to your doctor about this. I have the same problem, Im an RN and usually I think I know whats going on so I dont seek treatment.

My palpitations usually take my breath away, it feels like my heart speeds up and then I get a big thump followed by a slowing of my heart rate, I am always afraid my heart is just going to stop lol, not funny but it would be extremely rare for someone to just drop dead from a few palps.

If you  notice many PVCs or palpitations in a row, I would say you should go to the ER, also if you are having a lot of chest pain/shortness of breath. You might have something that requires medication. Occationally if the palp's get too bad they will place you on a beta blocker, and it usually takes care of the problem.

Good luck!