Here's What You Need To Know About Cholesterol Levels During Pregnancy
Healthy LifeSuperblogseo.web.id - Here's What You Need To Know About Cholesterol Levels During Pregnancy - During pregnancy, cholesterol is needed by the body for the development of the fetus in the womb and the formation of breast milk. In addition, cholesterol is also needed in the formation of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in order to keep the pregnancy healthy.
Increased Cholesterol Levels During Pregnancy
Cholesterol is a type of fat that the body needs to function properly. Normal cholesterol levels in adults are 120–190 mg/dL.However, during pregnancy, cholesterol levels can rise to more than 200 mg/dL. Usually, cholesterol levels will 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, Bumil should regularly consult a doctor to determine the level of cholesterol in the body. In a pregnancy test, the doctor can perform a blood test to determine the exact cholesterol level.
If Bumil's cholesterol level exceeds 240 mg/dL, the doctor may perform further examination to assess the risk to Bumil'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 consume during pregnancy.Meanwhile, in pregnant women, doctors may not prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs, and rather recommend lifestyle improvements to control cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol in pregnant women is normal and will return to normal on its own within 6 weeks after giving birth. Even so, Bumil still needs to maintain the stability of cholesterol levels in the body, yes.
Ways that Bumil can do to maintain cholesterol levels include:
- Consume fibrous foods, including nuts, grains and apples.
- Consume fish rich in omega-3, such as tuna, salmon , and mackerel.
- Exercise regularly as recommended by your doctor.
- Limit foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar.
- Avoid stress and manage stress well.
- Quit smoking and stay away from cigarette smoke.