Cholesterol Levels Increase, Can Pregnant Women Take Cholesterol-Lowering Medications?

The body's cholesterol level should not be more than 200 mg / dL, with LDL cholesterol below the 130 mg / dL level. If it's more than this limit, you will be advised to take cholesterol medication. Under normal conditions, you might be able to easily take this medicine without worrying about the adverse effects. However, another story is that women who have high cholesterol are pregnant. Well, is cholesterol medication for pregnant women safe?

Take cholesterol medication for pregnant women

The most commonly consumed cholesterol drug to reduce high cholesterol levels in the body is statins. There are also various types of statin drugs, all of which work in a similar way. These drugs block the formation of cholesterol in the liver while preventing blockages in blood vessels.

Unfortunately, you have to be better at sorting out which drugs you can take when you are pregnant and which ones are not. Because, not all types of drugs are safe to drink during pregnancy, including cholesterol-lowering drugs.

The FDA, as the drug and food regulatory agency in the United States is equivalent to BPOM, does not recommend the use of cholesterol drugs for pregnant women. Because this drug risks risking the uterus, it can even lead to birth defects in babies.

Dr. Brian Iriye, an obstetrician in Las Vegas, explained that cholesterol drugs for pregnant women who have been taken will enter the body and cross the baby's placenta. This is where the possibility of bad side effects begin to arise in the developing fetus in the stomach.

That's why many health experts forbid the use of cholesterol drugs for pregnant women because it can endanger the condition of mothers and prospective babies.

Apparently, cholesterol will increase naturally during pregnancy

Increased cholesterol during pregnancy is not always bad. Said by Carolyn Gundell, as a nutritionist at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut United States, that cholesterol levels during pregnancy will indeed rise around 25-50 percent.

Dr. Kavita Sharma, as director at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, added that this increase depends on gestational age, generally taking place during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. No need to worry, this number will return to normal within four to six weeks after giving birth.

In essence, it is normal for pregnant women to experience elevated cholesterol levels - including the amount of total cholesterol, triglycerides, "bad" or LDL cholesterol, to "good" cholesterol or HDL which can increase much higher than other cholesterol types.

In fact, total cholesterol will change between 175-200 mg / dL at the beginning of pregnancy and will continue to increase to reach 250 mg / dL until the end of pregnancy.

Not without reason, cholesterol includes important nutrients needed during pregnancy. This is because cholesterol plays a big role in supporting fetal brain development, the development of fetal body cells, and preparing breast milk for the feeding period of the fetus.

In addition, cholesterol will also increase the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone which help keep pregnancy healthy. In short, it can be said that the cholesterol levels of pregnant and non-pregnant women will certainly be very different.

Instead of taking medication, try to do another safer way

A few exceptions for those of you who already have high cholesterol before pregnancy, you should consult further with your doctor about alternatives that can be done to prevent your body's cholesterol levels from rising rapidly.

Setting a healthy diet and exercising regularly is generally recommended to keep cholesterol stable. Dr. Sharma recommends that you maintain your health by applying a balanced diet and regular exercise before, during, and after pregnancy.

As much as possible, choose foods that are low in fat and high in fiber. You can multiply eating vegetables and fruits in order to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals. Even if you crave often eat these foods - while pregnant, still consider the nutritional content for your little one in the stomach.

Don't forget, accompany sports that will help manage cholesterol levels in the body. Choose light exercise that is safe for pregnant women, the important thing is that the body remains relaxed and has positive benefits. In addition to regulating cholesterol levels, exercise during pregnancy also aims to prepare a smooth delivery.

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