Recently, I had some blood work done and my cholesterol was elevated. She is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader. During pregnancy, lipids and cholesterol levels fall during the first trimester and then rise throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. Increases in serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids are seen. This is not related to diet.
Cholesterol levels can be very high during pregnancy and while nursing.
Nursing women also have higher levels of HDL and other beneficial lipoproteins. They go on to state that the effects of lactation on lipids are beneficial. Women of childbearing age are generally at very low risk for developing heart disease. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child's, please consult your family's health care provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals.