Can high cholesterol affect my baby?

High cholesterol during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy-induced hypertension, which can threaten the life of both the mother and child. Low cholesterol can lead to premature labor and low birth weight.

What is considered high cholesterol in pregnancy?

Your total cholesterol is generally considered “borderline high” if it’s between 200 and 239 mg/dL. It’s considered “high” if it’s above 240 mg/dL. Your LDL cholesterol is generally considered “borderline high” if it’s between 130 and 159 mg/dL. It’s considered “high” if it’s above 160 mg/dL.

What risk increases if your cholesterol levels get too high?

Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries.

How is high cholesterol treated during pregnancy?

During pregnancy your doctor probably won’t prescribe medication to lower your cholesterol, but if your levels stay high postbaby, you may be given medication and be told to follow a heart-smart diet (low in saturated fat, high in fiber and including plenty of fruits and vegetables).

How long does cholesterol stay elevated after pregnancy?

Blood cholesterol tends to stay high for at least a month after giving birth. Triglycerides can also stay high for up to a month, but might go back to normal sooner in mothers who breastfeed. Wait at least six to eight weeks after giving birth before having a cholesterol test.

What has the biggest effect on cholesterol?

The biggest influence on blood cholesterol level is the mix of fats and carbohydrates in your diet—not the amount of cholesterol you eat from food.

Does cholesterol medicine affect pregnancy?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that statins are not recommended for pregnant women. They are rated as “Pregnancy Category X” drugs, which signifies that studies have shown they may cause birth defects and that the risks clearly outweigh any benefit.