Pregnancy And High Cholesterol: What You Need To Know About The Causes And Risks

Pregnancy And High Cholesterol: What You Need To Know About The Causes And Risks

• It is normal for cholesterol levels to increase by 30-50% during pregnancy, and near the end of pregnancy.
• Ideally, cholesterol levels should not exceed 300 mg/dl, as in this case, various complications may affect the baby. Therefore, it is important to watch your diet to avoid situations that may pose a risk.
• Moderate consumption of animal products high in saturated fat, such as high-fat meat, butter, whole milk, and aged cheese. Instead, choose lean meats such as chicken, Turkey, some pork, and veal, avoid whole milk, opt for fat-free or veggie drinks, and enjoy fresh cheese.
• Reduce your intake of fried and junk foods, which contain unsaturated fats. Choose foods that are baked, steamed, or boiled.
• Increase fiber in your diet and reduce body fat and sugar to help you feel full longer. You should not be short on whole grains, legumes (such as lentils, soybeans, and chickpeas), fruits, and green leafy vegetables in your diet.
• Replenish your body with fish (salmon, tuna, sardines) and olive oil or dried fruit, without adding salt or sugar.
• it’s also important to do some exercise. It is recommended to walk at least 30 minutes each day to maintain good health and reduce the presence of cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Attending all prenatal tests and carefully following your doctor’s instructions are important for your health and the health of your baby.

During pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, it is normal for cholesterol levels to increase by 30 to 50 percent from pre-pregnancy levels. Many of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can increase cholesterol levels by 30 to 50 percent compared to before pregnancy, especially in the second month before childbirth. While elevated cholesterol levels during this period are considered normal, it is important to control cholesterol levels to avoid possible complications.

What Is The Normal Cholesterol Level During Pregnancy?

It is normal for cholesterol levels to increase by 30-50% from pre-pregnancy levels during pregnancy, especially from the second to the third trimester. A normal cholesterol level during pregnancy should be below 200mg /dL. A higher level indicates it is time to pay attention. If it is between 240 and 300mg /dL, it is considered high and should be changed immediately. However, during pregnancy, levels maybe around 250 mg/dL in the second trimester and closer to 300 mg/dL in the last week of pregnancy. Ideally, this level should not exceed 300 mg/dL, which is why it is important to pay attention to our diet in order to avoid situations that may pose a risk, as in this case, various complications may affect the baby.

What Causes Elevated Cholesterol During Pregnancy?

Although we often associate cholesterol with the disease, we must not forget that cholesterol is essential for good health, especially during pregnancy.

There are two kinds of cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as good cholesterol, is naturally produced by the body and excreted through the liver. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol,” is a type of cholesterol that is not naturally cleared by our bodies and can be stored in our arteries and blood walls, causing problems for our health. It is a cholesterol and must always be kept at the right level. Cholesterol is not only essential for many physical activities, but also during pregnancy because it is involved in the production of steroid hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. It is also essential in the:

• Formation of cells needed for fetal growth and development.
• Production of vitamin D and bile acids.
• Development of neural function.

As new life develops in your body, it takes more cholesterol to form a baby, so the mother’s blood thickens and the body’s lipids increase. However, if increased too much, it could lead to complications during pregnancy, endangering the health of both the baby and the mother.

What Are The Risks Of Elevated Cholesterol During Pregnancy?

While a significant rise in cholesterol levels is normal, it is recommended not to exceed 300 mg/dL. It is important to watch your intake of high-fat foods during pregnancy to avoid their excessive increase. If your OB/GYN detects high lipid levels, you may be referred to an endocrinologist for follow-up and necessary adjustments to help reduce lipids. In addition, it is generally recommended that they be kept at an appropriate level.

How To Control Cholesterol During Pregnancy?

Watching your diet during pregnancy is crucial to keeping you and your baby healthy, by providing you with the nutrients you need and by not overloading your diet with substances that could cause harm. It is recommended to lower cholesterol during pregnancy.

• Moderate consumption of animal products high in saturated fat, such as high-fat meat, butter, whole milk, and aged cheese. Instead, choose lean meats such as chicken, Turkey, Pork, or some veal, avoid whole milk, and opt for fat-free or veggie drinks in favor of fresh cheese.
• Reduce your intake of fried and junk foods, which contain cholesterol-high fats. Choose foods that are baked, steamed, or boiled.
• Increase fiber in your diet and reduce body fat and sugar to help you feel full longer. Whole grains, legumes (such as lentils, soybeans, and chickpeas), fruits, and green leafy vegetables should not be excluded from your diet.
• Boost your body’s fat content with olive oil or dried fruits, salmon, tuna, sardines, that are high in healthy fats, without salt or sugar.
• If your doctor doesn’t stop you, it’s important to do some exercise. It is recommended to walk at least 30 minutes each day to maintain good health and reduce the presence of cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• It is important for your and your baby’s health and well-being to attend all prenatal visits and carefully follow your doctor’s instructions.