Cholesterol Awareness
Pregnancy & Cholesterol
Pregnant women frequently have elevated levels of cholesterol, called hypercholesterolaemia. This condition is associated with atherosclerosis, the gradual narrowing of the arteries. Abnormally high cholesterol can continue for several months after these women deliver and through their nursing period. These high levels frequently return to normal after several months.
If a woman has unusually high cholesterol during this period she needs to follow a cholesterol lowering diet and exercise plan to keep her levels down. If she normally takes strong medication (statins) to keep her cholesterol in check, she needs to switch to a milder lifestyle cure during her pregnancy and nursing phase. Strong medications can be a danger to her unborn child.
Lifestyle changes are frequently enough to lower cholesterol levels in pregnant women. This is a better way to maintain a healthy heart without worrying about the side effects of statins. After giving birth, many healthy mothers continue to manage their cholesterol with diet and exercise. Once they learn how easy it is, the delicious taste of CLUE Bars makes it really simple.
Future mothers who have high cholesterol may be at increased risk for developing potentially life-threatening preeclampsia during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is an abnormally high blood pressure condition. If not controlled it can endanger both mother-to-be and her baby. It can also result in premature delivery.