Pregnant women, do not be surprised if cholesterol levels during pregnancy tend to increase. This happens because the body of pregnant women requires cholesterol for the development of the baby 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 had 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. However, during pregnancy, cholesterol levels can increase to more than 200 mg/dL. During pregnancy, cholesterol levels generally increase by about 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 regularly consult a gynecologist to determine cholesterol levels in the body. During pregnancy check-ups, the doctor can perform a blood test to determine the exact cholesterol level.
If pregnant women's cholesterol levels exceed 240 mg/dL, the doctor may perform follow-up examinations to assess the risks to the mother's health, both during pregnancy and after delivery.
Various Ways to Maintain Normal Cholesterol Levels During Pregnancy
Women who suffer from high cholesterol are advised to consult a doctor before planning a pregnancy. This is because some cholesterol-lowering drugs are not safe to take during pregnancy.
Meanwhile, in pregnant women, doctors may not give cholesterol-lowering drugs, and prefer to recommend lifestyle improvements 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 stable cholesterol levels. The trick is to do the following things:
- Eat fibrous foods, including nuts, oats and apples.
- Eat fish rich in omega-3s, such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel.
- Exercise regularly as recommended by your doctor.
- Limit foods that are high in saturated fat (eg fried foods) and sugar.
- Avoid stress.
- Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
Although elevated cholesterol is considered normal during pregnancy, it is important to keep it at a safe level, by following the steps above. If previously pregnant women already have high cholesterol, don't forget to ask pregnant women's cholesterol levels during pregnancy check-ups.
