Is normal during pregnancy?

High cholesterol levels during pregnancy are necessary for the creation of steroid hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which are vital for the pregnancy’s progression. Specifically, the baby requires cholesterol at a high rate to develop healthy limbs and a brain.

“The mother, the placenta, and the fetus have specific enzymes that transform cholesterol into functional hormones,” says Dr. Julie Scott, an obstetrician and medical director of labor and delivery at the University of Colorado Hospital.

It is also worth noting that cholesterol levels naturally rise during the second trimester of pregnancy, peak in the third trimester, and typically return to normal about four weeks after delivery.

Dr. Julie Scott mentions that most cardiologists recommend keeping LDL (bad cholesterol) levels below 100 mg/dL and HDL (good cholesterol) above 60 mg/dL. During pregnancy, a woman’s cholesterol levels increase by 25 to 50%, and fortunately, HDL levels seem to rise the most.

“We usually don’t actively treat high cholesterol in pregnant women unless there are extreme cardiovascular concerns,” Scott explains. She emphasizes that “pregnancy is a short time in a woman’s life, and we must weigh the potential harm to the fetus.”

However, high cholesterol during pregnancy can lead to hypertension, which may endanger both the mother and the baby. On the other hand, low cholesterol levels can result in preterm birth and low birth weight.

Studies have also shown that high cholesterol can negatively impact both the mother and the child as the child grows. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, children whose mothers had high cholesterol before pregnancy are five times more likely to have high cholesterol as adults.

Under normal circumstances, doctors might prescribe statins to lower cholesterol levels. However, research indicates that while these drugs reduce cholesterol, they are also linked to abnormalities in the normal development of babies. Though the evidence is not definitive, Scott advises stopping these medications if a woman is pregnant or trying to conceive.

“For women with severely elevated cholesterol levels, there is the option of using bile acid sequestrants to reduce cholesterol,” says Dr. Julie Scott. She adds that “unfortunately, women who use these medications tend to experience significant gastrointestinal issues.”

Instead, the best ways to maintain healthy cholesterol levels during pregnancy include a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Additionally, avoiding saturated fats and engaging in doctor-approved exercise are crucial.