Cholesterol In Pregnancy
During the nine months, a woman’s body changes considerably. There are those who do not even realize it (apart from the belly!) And those who have to deal with some small ailments. Today we are talking about a physiological change, cholesterol in pregnancy, which however in some cases must be monitored.
Does Pregnancy Cholesterol Increase?
An increase in cholesterol during pregnancy is completely normal. The upward values already begin to register in the second quarter, starting from the fourth month of gestation, until reaching their maximum during the eighth.
This is why we should not be afraid if cholesterol, during the nine months, is increased: the reference values change completely. In some cases, however, these values could increase too high and be a problem.
How Much Cholesterol Should Be In Pregnancy
To establish whether the increase in cholesterol is completely physiological and does not represent an alarm bell, reference values can be taken. Cholesterol between 200 and 335 mg / dL is considered normal during pregnancy. Usually, the maximum value is in the eighth month, then the cholesterol begins to drop. But if they exceeded this concentration, it would mean high cholesterol in pregnancy.
Risks Of High Cholesterol In Pregnancy
What happens when cholesterol is high in pregnancy, i.e. it records values above 335 mg / dL? First of all, you need to talk to your doctor and not be alarmed ahead of time: even if there are reference values, each clinical history is unique and each patient (and gestation ) has its own characteristics. Hypercholesterolemia in pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, but it can also have consequences for the mother, such as stroke or heart attack.
Furthermore, too high cholesterol is often associated with increased blood pressure, which as we know can lead to preeclampsia and other pregnancy problems.
How To Get Low Cholesterol In Pregnancy
Especially women at risk or those who see a significant increase in cholesterol values during pregnancy should pay attention to their habits during the nine months. Among the tips to keep cholesterol at bay are:
- drink a lot
- avoid refined sugars and caffeine to keep triglycerides low
- consuming fiber, which naturally lowers blood cholesterol levels
- exercise, women who exercise have lower cholesterol levels
- limit fats and always prefer healthy sources such as avocado, extra virgin olive oil, and dried fruit
Good eating and physical habits help the body to react better and keep numerous ailments at bay, including increased cholesterol. This type of fat is essential for the body to function properly, but if there is too much of it, the arteries can become blocked causing many problems in themselves, even more so in pregnancy when the blood supply is also important for the growth and developing fetus.
Keeping the cholesterol values checked with regular tests allows the expectant mother to know her state of health and, if necessary, to intervene to bring the cholesterol levels back to a healthier point for herself and the fetus.
Read Also: What Does It Mean To Dream Positive Pregnancy Test?
