Plasma lipoproteins including high density lipoprotein subfractions during normal pregnancy.

In 19 healthy women the levels of plasma lipoprotein fractions were determined before conception, at exact gestational ages every six to 8 weeks during pregnancy, and eight weeks after delivery. The high density lipoprotein level was elevated in the 14th week and showed a maximum rise by 41% in the 28th week of pregnancy because of a doubling of the high density lipoprotein2 level. The low density lipoprotein level decreased in early pregnancy but then increased continuously. The very low density lipoprotein triglyceride concentration showed a continuous increase from week 14, and in week 36, it was three times higher than before pregnancy. During lactation, eight weeks after delivery, the low density lipoprotein concentration remained elevated, whereas the other lipoproteins had returned to prepregnancy levels.