The period of preparation for the forthcoming pregnancy for a future mother is associated with numerous studies. Among them, and an analysis for such a compound as homocysteine. Consider this substance in more detail, we will find out: why homocysteine is determined in the planning of pregnancy, what are the indicators of the norm and what leads to its increase and decrease.
Homocysteine - what is it with women?
When sending a woman to the analysis, which determines the level of homocysteine in the blood, what kind of research most of the future mothers do not know. This substance is a product of processing methionine (amino acid). The level of homocysteine in the blood gradually increases with age, however, when pregnancy occurs, its concentration decreases (1st and 3rd trimesters).
Homocysteine in pregnancy planning is important to check because of its negative impact on the process of gestation. During this period, this substance has a direct effect on the placental circulation, on which the correct intrauterine development of the fetus and its speed depends. Doctors consider it necessary to establish the concentration of homocysteine at the stage of preparation for the forthcoming pregnancy in order to respond in time to its decrease or increase, and take measures.
What does homocysteine show?
Learning what homocysteine is, potential moms at the stage of preparation for pregnancy ask the doctors a question - what is the analysis done for, and what does it show. Based on the results, doctors draw conclusions about the course of intracellular processes in the body of a woman. So, if the metabolism of homocysteine is disturbed, it accumulates in the extracellular space, and then in the blood plasma. In high concentrations, the compound has a cytotoxic effect.
As a result of such processes, there may be a violation of the integrity of the walls of the vessels - their surface becomes loose. In places of damaged areas, calcium and cholesterol settle on the surface of the vessels. As a result of such changes, the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque occurs. This increases the risk of blood clots in the blood vessels, which is fraught with the development of thrombosis during pregnancy.
Why take homocysteine while planning a pregnancy?
The level of homocysteine in the blood allows doctors to draw conclusions about the course of intracellular processes. Violation of its metabolism increases the risk of blood clots in the blood vessels. This change is fraught with a blockage of veins that are in the placenta. As a result, there is a violation of the intrauterine development of the baby during pregnancy. To prevent it, doctors are trying to identify pathology and predisposition to it at the planning stage.
Homocysteine analysis for pregnancy planning
To determine the level of homocysteine in planning pregnancy, doctors refer women to the analysis. In this case, doctors recommend to undergo this examination 3 months before the start of planning. If the future mother had previously had problems with a metabolic disorder in the body of homocysteine, the study is conducted no later than six months before the expected date of conception.
Homocysteine - preparation
In order to analyze the homocysteine during pregnancy planning, it is necessary to observe a number of rules at the preparation stage. For this:
- One day before the time of blood sampling, it is necessary to exclude fatty foods and alcohol from the diet.
- On the day before the study, intense physical activities are strictly forbidden.
- 8-14 hours before sampling a blood sample it is forbidden to take food, only drinking (simple, still water) is allowed.
- Do not smoke 30 minutes before the test.
Homocysteine - how to take?
Before taking homocysteine while planning a pregnancy, a woman receives a referral from a doctor. The study itself is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach. The analysis is carried out by taking a sample of blood from the ulnar vein. To determine homocysteine in the planning of an early pregnancy, 2-5 ml of blood is taken, which is placed in a sterile tube, labeled and sent to the laboratory. Results can be obtained in 2-3 days, depending on the workload of the medical institution.
Homocysteine - the norm in women when planning pregnancy
The rate of homocysteine when planning pregnancy is 10-11 μmol / l. This concentration is taken as the physiological norm. The deviation indicates a violation, and requires the implementation of corrective measures. The algorithm for their implementation is developed individually, taking into account the general state of the female body, the presence of concomitant chronic diseases and pathological processes. Compliance with the received medical recommendations and prescriptions, helps to quickly eliminate the violation, correct homocysteine, the norm of which is indicated above.
High homocysteine in pregnancy planning
Often an increased concentration of homocysteine becomes a cause of abnormalities in pregnancy. Because of this, correction should be carried out at the planning stage. Before homocysteine is lowered, doctors conduct a comprehensive examination aimed at establishing the cause of the increase. The procedure for how to lower homocysteine is developed taking into account the pathological factor:
- Reducing the level of B vitamins. In this case, doctors prescribe a diet with a high content of thiamine, pyridoxine, folic acid.
- The effect of nicotine. It was found that smoking provokes an increase in the level of homocysteine. To reduce it you need to give up nicotine .
- Caffeine. When you drink coffee, the concentration of homocysteine increases. To reduce it, you need to exclude the drink.
- Low level of physical activity. Active exercise helps reduce homocysteine.
Homocysteine lowered when planning pregnancy
Understanding how to lower homocysteine in planning pregnancy, it must be said that often the opposite situation is noted - its shortage. If homocysteine is lowered slightly, this can not in any way affect the process of bearing a baby. Anxiety is worth punching when a very low homocysteine is fixed - 4.1 μmol / l and lower. In such cases, doctors prescribe a special therapy to increase the level of the substance. The prospective mother herself can also take measures to normalize the level of homocysteine:
- To reduce intense physical activity - to exclude for a while daily sports trainings.
- To drink coffee in the morning.