High Cholesterol?

Quick question-

DH and I want to start TTC sometime around September but I have a question.

I have high cholesterol and while I am trying so hard to lower it what if I can't? What could happen if I wind up getting pregnant and still have high cholesterol? Is it bad for the baby?

Any info is appreciated!

TIA!

Re: High Cholesterol?

Hi,
I am not 100% sure, but I believe that the omega-3's that are in pre-natals are good to help lower cholesterol. I had mine done right after Christmas & it came out high - I was surprised, especially since I do not eat bad at all & workout 6 days a week. However, it could have been that I went right after the holidays after weeks of eating cookies, high-fat foods, etc. Plus, my dad has high cholesterol in his family. Anyway, I do not think you have to worry. I am in the same boat - I am working on lowering it (while hoping I had a false reading) by eating more oatmeal and fiber & taking the pre-natals.

I would say that since you have 6 months to go, you have plenty of time to try & lower it. Sometimes, there is not much you can do if it's in your genes. I can't imagine that it would hurt the baby, but I bet the dr would monitor you closely should your cholesterol not improve when you get pg. Also, just checking, but you did fast before testing, right? That makes a HUGE difference!!

Best of luck to you!!

Re: High Cholesterol?

Thanks for the info!

I did fast prior to taking the lipid test. And, the dr. was so surprised it came back high they made me re-test within 6 weeks.

Since then I haven't been tested and have been trying extremely hard to lose weight (down 5lbs so far), eat fiber, and I quit smoking!

I am really hoping I can get it lowered but I also don't want to be told we can't TTC if it doesn't go down.

Well, I will keep trying to get it down, thanks again for your help!

Re: High Cholesterol?

I've had high cholesterol for years, and noone ever said anything negative to me about being pregnant... I would just try to eat right and exercise and I'm sure you and your baby will be fine!!

Re: High Cholesterol?

Re: High Cholesterol?

HI. I also have high cholesterol. My doc said absolutly no meds to lower cholesterol..it can harm the baby.

He suggested taking extra omega 3,6,9 pills daily to help.

The other important thing to note is when you are actually pregnant you cholesterol actaully goes higher!!! So you need to take care of yourself.

Re: High Cholesterol?

Thanks again everyone, you really help put my mind at ease. I was terrified they would tell me not to TTC if I couldn't lower my cholesterol.