--- title: "Heart and Emotions During Pregnancy at Sutter Health" description: "Pregnancy affects your heart function and emotions. Get the rest and support you need for these symptoms." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/heart-emotions" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health) / 3. Heart Emotions # Your Heart and Emotions During Pregnancy Hormones, changes and new feelings — get guidance on what’s normal and what to watch. * * * August 7, 2025Medically reviewed by [Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-jill-d-foley-1046237743) Pregnancy doesn’t just change your body — it can affect your heart, your mood and how you feel moment to moment. It’s all part of the process, and you’re not alone.  ![pregnant-women-in-support-group](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/women/pregnant-women-in-support-group.jpg) ## Feeling Emotional?  One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re crying — and that’s okay. Hormones, stress, fatigue and the sheer life shift ahead can all stir up strong emotions. You might feel excited, overwhelmed or even unsure — all in the same day. Here’s how to care for your emotional well-being: - Eat regular meals, and don’t skip the iron — low levels can affect how you feel - Get rest. Even a short nap can reset your mood - Join a [pregnancy support group](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_eventType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Support+Group%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&query=%22pregnancy%22&verticalKey=events) or connect with others who understand - Keep moving. Gentle exercise is a proven mood-booster. - Talk it out — with your partner, a friend or a therapist - Take breaks and make time for things you enjoy  ## Heart Racing or Feeling Dizzy?  It’s common to feel your heart pounding or to get lightheaded now and then. Your body is working harder, pumping more blood and carrying extra weight. To feel steadier: - Avoid standing for long periods without a break - Eat small, frequent meals to keep your blood sugar up - Stand up slowly — especially after lying down - Stay hydrated (aim for 8–10 glasses of water a day) If your heart is racing often or feels irregular, or if dizziness is frequent, [reach out to your provider](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online).  ## Explore related topics [Pregnancy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Pregnancy%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness)[Symptoms and Discomforts](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Symptoms+and+Discomforts%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness)[First Trimester](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22First+Trimester%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness) ## Support at Every Step From conception to delivery and after, our [pregnancy and childbirth](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pregnancy-and-childbirth) providers put you first. [Book an Appointment](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Infertility%22%2C%22Nurse+Midwife%22%2C%22Obstetrics+and+Gynecology%22%2C%22Reproductive+Endocrinology%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) ## Meet our care team ![Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG](https://a.mktgcdn.com/p/oXwyjmjaX7WHKMpkiZX2YR3qSGzmsx7Da9EURqZMFS8/480x480.jpg) [Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-jill-d-foley-1046237743) Obstetrics and Gynecology ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","name":"Heart and Emotions During Pregnancy at Sutter Health","description":"Pregnancy affects your heart function and emotions. 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