Is feeling the heart racing a common occurrence during pregnancy?

During pregnancy your heart works much harder, especially during delivery!  Since your blood volume increases by 30-50% throughout pregnancy, your heart has to increase how much it pumps, or its cardiac output.  In addition to having an increase in cardiac output, the heart rates increase by 10-20 beats per minute.  The changes involving your cardiovascular system peak during 20-24 weeks and usually resolve completely within 6 weeks of delivery.  As a result of these changes with your heart you may experience flutters or a racing feeling better known as palpitations, shortness of breath and a reduced tolerance for prolong periods of exercise.  If you notice these symptoms it is important to tell your health care provider to ensure these are the normal symptoms related to all the cardiovascular changes.