The Thyroid is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, and if you have a Thyroid Problem before or during your pregnancy, it needs to be treated well.
On your first prenatal visit, your doctor may ask about your ongoing health problems like Thyroid, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus or, any other Autoimmune Disease.
There is no need to get panic or worried about your pregnancy and baby. Coz, lots of pregnant women who have Thyroid issues have given birth to a Healthy Baby. During your pregnancy, your doctor will close monitored your thyroid levels before and throughout your pregnancy.
Thyroid diseases are a common problem that can cause symptoms because of over or under the function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck below Adam’s apple that releases hormones that regulate your heart and nervous system, weight, body temperature, and many other processes in the body.
Thyroid hormones are very important for the healthy development of your unborn baby especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. As it helps in the development of the brain and nervous system of your unborn baby (fetal). Around 12 weeks, the thyroid gland in the fetus will begin to produce its own thyroid hormones.
The thyroid diseases like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are relatively common in pregnancy and they are very important to treat.
Hyperthyroidism
is a disease in which an overactive thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. The most common cause of maternal hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is the autoimmune disorder of Grave’s disease. In Grave’s disease, the body makes an antibody called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) that causes the thyroid to overreact and make too much thyroid hormone.
Hypothyroid disease
is defined as a failure of the thyroid gland to produce sufficient thyroid hormone to meet the metabolic demands of the body.
A regular test of TSH levels (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) every 6-8 weeks should be done during pregnancy. Your doctor will put you on medication as per your current health position. Always discuss with your doctor about the threats and how to deal with it. And get the dose of Vitamin D and Omega 3
Maybe your doctor would recommend you not to eat below foods, which may block the thyroid’s ability to utilize iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid function :
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Turnips
- Bok choy
Effects of Thyroid on Baby and Mom during Pregnancy
On the Pregnant Women
- Placental abruption
- Preeclampsia
- Preterm delivery
- Miscarriage
- Heart failure
On the Unborn Baby
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
- untreated hypothyroidism can cause low IQ
- small for gestational age
- stillbirth
- low birth weight
- thyroid dysfunction
How to Diagnosis Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in pregnancy are diagnosed based on symptoms like:-
- Blood tests to measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Physical examination by a doctor
- Thyroid hormones T4
- Hyperthyroidism T3.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism & Hypothyroidism While Pregnant
(Thyroid Hormones)
Hyperthyroidism
- Sensitivity to hot temperatures
- Increase in appetite, feeling hungry
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heightened nervousness
- fatigue
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Shaking hands
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight loss or low weight gain during pregnancy
Hypothyroidism
- Extreme tiredness and weight gain
- Depressed mood
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Muscle cramps
- High cholesterol levels
