So, picture this: it’s a regular morning, and I get a message from a woman named Sarah, who’s clearly feeling anxious. She just found out she’s pregnant and has been on statins for cholesterol since she was in middle school. She’s stopped taking them, but she’s scared. “What have I done? I know it’s a class X drug! Help!” After a quick chat, we decided to hop on a call.
You might be wondering why someone would need cholesterol medication at a young age. In Sarah’s case, she has an inherited condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). It affects about 1 in every 250 people but often goes undiagnosed and untreated. A simple blood test and a look into family health history can help identify if someone has it. There’s also a rarer, more severe form of FH that comes from both parents.
Let’s rewind for a second. Cholesterol is a fatty substance our bodies need in moderation, but too much of it can lead to heart issues. While lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a healthy diet are recommended, they often aren’t enough for those with FH. That’s where medications like statins come in; some kids as young as 8-10 may need them.
Now, about that “category X” label Sarah mentioned—does that really mean statins definitely cause birth defects? Thankfully, the answer is no! The FDA phased out that rating system back in 2014 because it wasn’t the best way to predict risks during pregnancy. Statins were given a category X label because a developing baby needs cholesterol to grow, raising concerns about the use of such medications.
However, for those without FH, stopping statin medication during pregnancy usually doesn’t pose much risk in terms of heart disease. But for those with FH, it’s crucial to have a conversation with both a cardiologist and an obstetrician to figure out a cholesterol management plan when planning a pregnancy or once pregnancy is confirmed.
Interestingly, many studies involving statins haven’t shown an increased risk of birth defects from accidental use early in pregnancy. This is good news for women like Sarah who were taking the medication before knowing they were pregnant. I could sense Sarah’s relief, but she wished for more research about medications during pregnancy. She brought up our follow-up program, which tracks pregnancy outcomes to provide more information for anxious parents and doctors. If you’re curious about contributing, there are opportunities to get involved without the cost of taking any medications.
To wrap things up, if you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy topics, check out our other blog posts here. And if you’re looking for a reliable at-home insemination kit, BabyMaker offers great options. For those navigating the ups and downs of fertility treatment, this resource is a fantastic read.
In summary, managing cholesterol during pregnancy requires careful consideration, especially for those with inherited conditions like FH. Open conversations with healthcare professionals can help ensure both mother and baby stay healthy.