Terrified....

[proudparent88]

So I suffer from high cholesterol. It stays between 400-500 they don't want it above 190 even though during pregnancy it can go up a bit this is normal however, mine is like this before pregnancy and I was on medication that wasn't dropping it my doctor told me I probably won't get it back to normal because of the severe hereditary factors I have. I need to know what effects this can have my my unborn baby I am 18 weeks 1 day along and terrified that this could cause a major problem. I feel alone and don't wanna deal with this alone because I don't know what to do. Please someone give me some good reliable info or help me to understand the risks if there are any and what they are this is greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[RunningMomOf3]

You should talk to your OB about your concerns. Hopefully, he/she can ease your mind. I believe having a high cholesterol level to start with puts you at an increased risk for gestational diabetes preeclampsia, both which are monitored for during the pregnancy. I normally have good levels, but had my cholesterol checked during a routine yearly physical and my cholesterol was way over 200 and my triglycerides which are normally 30, have jumped upto 265! But I'm caring twins, so my energy needs are slightly higher than with a singleton.. I'm not too worried about it though. I'm sure you are not alone... I know lots of people who have really high cholesterol levels and manage to have healthy babies.. it's amazing how are bodies do what is needed to create such beautiful little babies..

 

[FeistyMom]

My understanding is the big risk is primarily for you and your OB will monitor and maybe do some tests like GD earlier. I would guess you could be classified as high risk but that is typically to qualify you for any additional care you may need, like extra ultrasounds and stuff.

Many women have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. That combo is much more serious than the cholesterol itself.

 

[jkbmah]

Hi, just from the UK here. My cholesterol (without statins) is between 8.0 and 10.0 (which i think is between 300 and 400 in the US).

because I cant take meds in pregnancy I was classed as high risk in my first pregnancy. Basically the midwives here had no clue what this meant and so put me under consultant. I dont think the consultants really knew affects of high cholesterol in pregnancy either so they gave me loads of tests, I had an ECG and heart ultrasound scan, numerous blood tests (your cholesterol naturally goes up in pregnancy so blood tests are pointless). I was also told that I may not be able tobreastfeed as I would have to go straight back on meds.

Essentially I has all manner of students and consultants look at me but in the end I had a perfectly fine little girl naturally (water birth), no heart issues for me, I breast fed for 9 weeks (chose to give up as I was pumping as it was hard work, nothing to do with cholesterol/statins requirement).

This time around I'm also consultant led but midwives are not concerned. I think that most women under the age of 50 ion the UK have no idea what their cholesterol level is and they all mange to have babies unknowing they have such a high cholesterol.

not sure if that helps but im happy to answer queries