Q&A: Are heart palpitations okay during pregnancy?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

I'm in my sixth week of pregnancy. Before I became pregnant, I was having heart palpitations every day. I was evaluated by a few cardiologists who felt that it was due to stress and anxiety. I was taking Atenolol 25mg., but stopped taking it while we were trying to conceive. Are the palpitations something that I should worry about for myself or my baby? Are there any medications that are safe to take during pregnancy?

Atenolol is a Beta-blocker and no abnormalities have been documented according to my sources, although data is lacking in the first trimester. I would think that the symptoms are probably harmless, but you can take this medicine if the palpitations interfere with your day-to-day activities. Make that decision with your doctor.

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