Cholesterol levels in pregnancy
Cholesterol levels are often high in pregnancy, and experts say this is for the proper development of your baby. But is it true? Is high cholesterol normal during pregnancy?
Cholesterol is a lipid found in most of our daily foods, such as eggs, dairy products, red meat, etc. Excess of anything is not good. Did you know that a certain level of cholesterol can also cause serious complications?
So, how high levels are normal in pregnancy, and what levels should you be concerned about? In this regard, you can prefer the best Gynecologist in Lahore. Below, you will find all the details you want to know about high cholesterol levels. Keep reading to know about all such questions.
Why does cholesterol level increase in pregnancy?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to make healthy cells, which are essential for your body to function well. Cholesterol is needed for the production of bile salts, various hormones, and vitamin D.
There are small carriers called lipoproteins that help them move through the blood and reach the cells. Our body makes about 75% of cholesterol and the rest comes from the food we eat.
It will help if you are usually more careful about what you eat during pregnancy. It is important to know how much cholesterol you have in your body. During the second and third trimesters, cholesterol levels can increase by 25% to 50%.
Your body needs cholesterol for the production and activity of estrogen and progesterone. These male and female hormones are essential for a good and successful pregnancy. High cholesterol is common in the third trimester of pregnancy, as high levels of such hormones are required at this stage.
In addition, they are essential for your baby’s normal development. Cholesterol is essential for the following:
- the brain
- Organs
- Cellular development of children
- Preparation of healthy breast milk
All such points explain high cholesterol levels in pregnancy. You may be wondering, do they test for cholesterol during pregnancy? Of course, they do; it is important that you monitor your pregnancy properly. A certain level of cholesterol in a normal adult can be dangerous.
A healthy adult should have a cholesterol level of less than 2 mg/mL, preferably between 1.2 and 1.9 mg/mL.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, it can be between 1.4 and 2.2 mg/mL.
In the second trimester of pregnancy, it can be between 1.8 and 3 mg/mL.
In the third trimester of pregnancy, it can be between 2.2 and 3.5 mg/mL.
When to worry about high cholesterol levels in pregnancy?
According to current evidence, it is not known whether high cholesterol can lead to additional pregnancy problems. Some show no increase in pregnancy complications, while other studies show an increased risk:
- Information on diabetes
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure and abnormal kidney function)
- Premature birth (before 37 weeks).
Women with high cholesterol levels before pregnancy are twice as likely as women with normal cholesterol levels. Risk is developing a dangerous disease called preeclampsia during pregnancy. Any online pharmacy in Pakistan provides you with all the medications at your doorstep.
Preeclampsia, alternatively called pregnancy toxemia, is the development of:
- High blood pressure
- Kidney problems
- Extreme swelling during pregnancy
This problem affects between 5% and 10% of all pregnancies but occurs especially in the last trimester of the first pregnancy. If the disease is not addressed, it can progress to eclampsia, which is characterized by convulsions in the mother and, in severe cases, death.
Now you know that high cholesterol levels in pregnancy can cause complications. A question may arise in your mind. Can high cholesterol cause miscarriage? Abortion is possible at any stage of pregnancy. People with high cholesterol have the same risk of miscarriage as other people their age. So high cholesterol does not increase the risk of miscarriage.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol during Pregnancy
You will usually have no visible signs or symptoms, and your pregnancy will progress normally. However, there is a slight chance that your cholesterol level will exceed the maximum permissible values.
In these conditions, the risk of complications like stroke and heart attack is high. Accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries can obstruct blood circulation (atherosclerosis).
Additionally, if you have a family history of high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend that you check your cholesterol more regularly. Alternatively, if you exhibit the following risk factors:
- Have high blood pressure,
- Are thick
- Smoke
Tips to maintain cholesterol levels in pregnancy
Currently, doctors do not prescribe routine medications to treat excessive triglyceride levels. So, how to lower cholesterol during pregnancy?
- Before pregnancy, the best practice is to lower your triglycerides.
- Consume sugar-free foods.
- Choose to eat whole grains.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes daily.
- Consume more fiber
Every woman loves her pregnancy stage and dreads it at the same time. It is normal if you are also troubled by various problems during this period. There is nothing to worry about as long as you consult the best gynecologist.
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