How to Maintain Cholesterol during Pregnancy

Pregnancy becomes a lot of changes in your life, including physical, emotional, and mental. Hence, making healthy decisions during pregnancy is beneficial to both you and the growing baby. It can be challenging to manage certain conditions, such as high cholesterol, during pregnancy, which could lead to complications if left untreated.

At specific stages of pregnancy, cholesterol levels naturally rise to help supply the nutrients required for a developing fetus. However, the rising cholesterol levels can pose significant health risks for those already suffering from it. Fortunately, there are pregnancy tips that pregnant women can do to control their cholesterol levels during pregnancy and keep themselves and their unborn child as healthy as possible.

Does Cholesterol Level Change during Pregnancy?

During the second trimester of pregnancy, cholesterol levels naturally rise, peak in the third trimester, and then return to normal approximately four weeks after delivery. You should expect a roughly 50% increase in total cholesterol during your pregnancy.

As mentioned before, high cholesterol during pregnancy is usually common, though routine cholesterol testing doesn’t occur during this time. In other words, when it comes to cholesterol in pregnant women, experts still disagree upon what constitutes a normal or ideal cholesterol level. However, triglyceride levels exceeding 250 mg/dL or total cholesterol levels above 250 mg/dL are linked to complications related to pregnancy.

Managing Cholesterol during Pregnancy

Typically, women shouldn’t be concerned by their natural rise in cholesterol. Levels usually return to normal in just four to six weeks after delivery. However, a continuously elevated cholesterol level increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, so consult your physician if you already suffer from chronic high blood pressure issues.

Bile acid sequestrants are frequently prescribed rather than statins when controlling cholesterol during pregnancy. Your physician may also assist you in finding alternative methods of controlling your cholesterol, as certain cholesterol-lowering medications might not be advised during pregnancy.

This might include:

• Incorporating pregnancy exercise into your daily routine to lower your cholesterol levels.
• Soluble fibers help lower blood sugar and cholesterol by forming a barrier that prevents fats from being absorbed.
• Consuming healthy fats, such as omega-3s, found in avocados, low-mercury fish, nuts and seeds, and olive oil, can help reduce cholesterol levels.
• Reducing the amount of fried food and foods heavy in sugar and saturated fats helps manage high cholesterol during pregnancy.

If you are receiving treatment for high cholesterol and then become pregnant, your doctor will probably check your cholesterol as part of your routine pregnancy blood work. Any modifications to your lifestyle or diet should be explained to the professional who is guiding you through this special time.

Invest in Cryoviva for a Healthier Tomorrow

Pregnancy is known to raise cholesterol levels, and usually, medication is not required to manage it. For most expectant mothers, lifestyle adjustments are sufficient. Please consult a doctor for advice on how to control your cholesterol during pregnancy if you are already in the high-risk factor for heart disease or high cholesterol.

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