The effects of first trimester cholesterol levels on pregnancy outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in lipid profile in pregnant women might have any effect on the perinatal outcomes. This retrospective study was conducted between January 2020 and December 2020 by evaluating data drawn from the hospital database. The total serum cholesterol(C), HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C and triglycerides levels were measured in 587 women during the first trimester of pregnancy and confounding factors were analyzed. The mean age was 27 years. The mean gravida and parity were 2 and 1 respectively. The mean birth weight of newborn was 3280 g. The mean Apgar score was 9 at 0 and 5 minutes respectively. The vaginal delivery rate was 68.3% whereas caeserian delivery rate was 31.7%. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was needed in 0.5% of newborns. There was no significant statistical difference between the rates of caeserian section and vaginal delivery in patients with respect to lipid profile levels. The total serum cholesterol(C), triglycerides, LDL-C and VLDL-C levels were significantly higher in mothers of babies hospitalized in NICU.HDL-C level was similar between two groups. Adequate lipid levels in the first trimester of pregnancy are crucial for the health of pregnant women and newborn. High levels of lipids can increase NICU need but not effect way of delivery.