Cholesterol elevated in pregnancy - the norm or problem?
Cholesterol is a lerid substance, it is necessaryfor the synthesis of vitamin D, participates in the production of immune cells and growth hormones. During pregnancy, its amount increases naturally, and after childbirth it falls to normal levels.
Moderately elevated cholesterol in pregnancy -this is normal. Photo: Getty Without high cholesterol in the mother's blood, problems with the fetus may begin. The woman herself starts to get cold more often, teeth, hair and nails suffer. Due to a decrease in the production of vitamin D, the absorption of calcium deteriorates. This negatively affects the density of bones and the elasticity of the muscles. For all the positive properties of cholesterol, it is important to ensure that its level does not exceed the permissible standards. During pregnancy, the indices will be from 6 to 13 mmol / l. The older the woman, the higher this figure. Symptoms that should be addressed to a specialist:
- the cholesterol levels are 2-2.5 times higher than the pre-pregnancy level;
- headaches and nausea after the 12th week;
- high blood pressure;
- general state of health worsens.
If the indicators are higher than normal, then you need to take measures to reduce cholesterol.
How to reduce elevated cholesterol during pregnancy?
During pregnancy it is difficult to carry out anytreatment, including reducing high cholesterol. Most drugs are contraindicated for pregnant women, they pass the placental barrier and can seriously harm the fetus. Therefore, a safe diet is used for treatment. The diet is prescribed by the attending physician and involves refusing the following products:
- yolks;
- pork and lamb;
- animal fat;
- butter and cream;
- margarine;
- chocolate;
- roast.
At the same time, it is necessary to include in the diet products that normalize blood counts:
- garlic;
- carrot;
- apples;
- greenery;
- citrus;
- soybean;
- red fish;
- nuts;
- liquid vegetable oils.
In addition to the diet for the normalization of cholesterol will beuseful cholagogue. When choosing them, be sure to consult a gynecologist, some herbs cause spasms of smooth muscles. Additional benefit will bring adequate physical activity. During pregnancy it is important to monitor the level of cholesterol. If he exceeds the individual rate more than 2 times, you need to go to a special diet.
