This is what you need to know about cholesterol levels while pregnant

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Pregnant women, do not be surprised if cholesterol levels during pregnancy tend to increase. This happens because the body of pregnant women needs cholesterol for the development of babies in the womb and the formation of breast milk (ASI).

Cholesterol is also needed in the formation of the hormones estrogen and progesterone which are important for maintaining pregnancy. For women who have high cholesterol since before pregnancy, their cholesterol levels will be even higher when pregnant.

Increased Cholesterol Levels during Pregnancy
Cholesterol is a type of fat that the body needs to carry out metabolic functions properly. Normal cholesterol levels in adults are 120-190 mg / dL. But during pregnancy, cholesterol levels can increase to more than 200 mg / dL. During pregnancy, cholesterol levels generally increase by around 20-50%, especially in the second and third trimesters.

There are no specific symptoms that indicate high cholesterol levels in the body. Therefore, pregnant women should routinely consult an obstetrician to find out cholesterol levels in the body. In prenatal care, the doctor can do a blood test to find out the right cholesterol level.

If pregnant cholesterol levels exceed 240 mg / dL, the doctor may conduct a follow-up examination to assess the risk for pregnant women health, both during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Various Ways to Maintain Normal Cholesterol Levels while Pregnant
Women who suffer from high cholesterol are encouraged to consult a doctor before planning a pregnancy. This is because some cholesterol-lowering drugs are not safe to consume while pregnant.

Whereas in pregnant women, doctors may not give cholesterol-lowering drugs, and more recommend improving lifestyle to control cholesterol levels.

Although basically high cholesterol in pregnant women is normal and will return to normal by itself 6 weeks after giving birth, pregnant women still need to maintain cholesterol level stability. The trick is to do the following:

Consumption of fibrous foods, including nuts, wheat and apples.
Eat fish that are rich in omega-3s, such as tuna, salmon and mackerel.
Exercise regularly according to the doctor's advice.
Limit foods that contain lots of saturated fats (such as fried foods) and sugar.
Avoid stress.
Stop smoking and stay away from cigarette smoke.
Although an increase in cholesterol is considered normal during pregnancy, it is important to keep it at a safe level, by doing the above methods. If previously pregnant women already had high cholesterol, do not forget to ask pregnant women cholesterol levels to the obstetrician during antenatal care.

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