Why does pregnant women have high cholesterol?

Pregnant women need to pay attention to their physical condition during pregnancy, and have regular prenatal checkups to understand their physical health. It is actually quite common for pregnant women to have high cholesterol, because high cholesterol in pregnant women can be divided into two types, high-density cholesterol and low-density cholesterol. High-density cholesterol has a certain protective effect on the cardiovascular system of pregnant women.

What causes high cholesterol in pregnant women?

Cholesterol is divided into two types: high-density cholesterol and low-density cholesterol. The former has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system and is usually called "good cholesterol". The latter, if high, increases the risk of coronary heart disease and is usually called "bad cholesterol."

Excessive cholesterol intake will cause hypercholesterolemia, which in turn will lead to the so-called "rich man's disease" such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.

There are two units for cholesterol measurement. One unit is mol/l. A total cholesterol measurement of 5.2mmol/L or below is normal. Another unit is mg/dl. A total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dl is considered normal.

The medical community believes that in order to lower cholesterol, one should also reduce the intake of some high-cholesterol foods, especially animal offal such as heart and liver. The principle is to eat no more than three or four eggs a week, and especially try to eat less egg yolks, including various fish eggs, crab roe, etc.

Symptoms of high cholesterol during pregnancy

It is generally known that lipids are mainly divided into two categories. Fat (mainly triglycerides) is the most abundant lipid in the human body and is a major source of energy in the body. Another type is called lipids, which are the basic components of biological membranes and account for about 5% of body weight. In addition to phospholipids and glycolipids, there is also a very important type called cholesterol.

Cholesterol is also called cholesterol. A cyclopentanepolyhydrophenanthrene derivative. As early as the 18th century, people discovered cholesterol in gallstones. In 1816, chemist Bencher named this lipid-like substance cholesterol. Cholesterol is widely present in animals, especially in the brain and nerve tissue. It is also found in high levels in the kidneys, spleen, skin, liver and bile. Its solubility is similar to that of fat. It is insoluble in water but easily soluble in solvents such as ether and chloroform. Cholesterol is an important substance that is indispensable to animal tissue cells. It not only participates in the formation of cell membranes, but is also the raw material for the synthesis of bile acids, vitamin D and steroid hormones.

Cholesterol consists of a steroidal part and a long side chain. The total amount of cholesterol in the human body accounts for about 0.2% of body weight, with bones containing about 10 mg, skeletal muscle containing about 100 mg, internal organs containing between 150 and 250 mg, and liver and skin containing slightly higher levels, about 300 mg. The highest content is found in brain and nerve tissues, about 2 grams per 100 grams of tissue, and its total amount accounts for about 1/4 of the total amount in the body.

What to do if pregnant women have high cholesterol?

High triglycerides in pregnant women refers to high triglyceride levels in the pregnant woman's plasma while total cholesterol levels are normal. Since lipid-lowering drugs are harmful to the liver, pregnant women with high triglycerides must follow the doctor's advice to lower blood lipids while taking into account nutrition and calorie intake. Pregnant women with high triglycerides should do the following:

1. Limit sugar intake

Avoid sucrose, fructose, honey and sugary foods in your diet, and do not add sugar to milk or soy milk.

2. Supplement protein in moderation

Especially plant proteins such as soybeans and soy products, you can also supplement low-cholesterol animal proteins such as lean meat, chicken, duck and fish.

3. Limit animal fat intake

Cooking oil should mainly be vegetable oil, and try not to consume animal fat.

4. Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits

Fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, which can provide energy and make you feel full at the same time.

5. Limit your alcohol intake

Alcohol is not good for the growth and development of the fetus, and it can also increase the triglyceride levels in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid drinking alcohol.

6. Exercise and exercise in moderation

Pregnant women should not stay in bed frequently or sit still for a long time just because of pregnancy. Moderate physical activity is beneficial to the physical and mental health of pregnant women and fetuses. Exercise should mainly be aerobic exercise, and must be individualized and performed in a gradual manner from small to large, with the safety of the fetus as a prerequisite.