Thyroid Disease and Pregnancy
By: sandra003thomasTotal Views: 397, Word Count: 583,
Thyroid disease is of two kinds and each of them has a different effect on pregnancy. Here we discuss each in detail.
Hypothyroidism and pregnancy
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which there is deficiency of thyroid hormone in the body. Since the main function of the thyroid hormone is to control the body’s metabolism. People with hypothyroidism will have a slow metabolism.
Causes of hypothyroidism in pregnancy
The most familiar reason of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. A woman suffering from hypothyroidism, if has inadequate treatment or if a woman with hypothyroidism is over treated with anti-thyroid medications, then she it can result in having problems.
The risks of hypothyroidism to the mother
Most women will not suffer any symptoms especially if they have mild hypothyroidism. Untreated or severe hypothyroidism has been associated with anemia, muscle pain and weakness, low birth weight infants, and postpartum hemorrhage (bleeding).
The risks of maternal hypothyroidism to the baby
The thyroid hormone is vital for brain development in the baby. It is highly recommended that you do not stop your thyroid medication if you are pregnant. It is not clear about what the effect of maternal hypothyroidism has on the baby’s brain development. It is essential that hypothyroidism be effectively treated in pregnancy. During pregnancy, the TSH and free T4 levels must be monitored and checked regularly to know if you are getting enough hormone replacement.
Treatment of hypothyroidism during pregnancy
In hypothyroidism, the thyroid hormone must be adequately replaced with synthetic thyroxin. Thyroxin requirements usually increase during pregnancy quite frequently, often by 25 to 50 per cent. Women who has had hypothyroidism prior to getting pregnant, should have their thyroid function tested as soon as they know they are pregnant so that their dose is adjusted by their doctor as needed, in order to maintain the TSH level in the normal range.
Hyperthyroidism and pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism is the medical condition in which there is an over production of the thyroid hormone.
Causes of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy
The most common cause of maternal hyperthyroidism during pregnant is Grave’s disease and occurs in 1 in 1500 pregnant patients.
The risks of hyperthyroidism to the mother
Grave’s disease may be present initially during the first trimester or may get aggravated during the first trimester in a woman known to have the disorder. Women who are inadequately treated for hyperthyroidism can have a premature labor and delivery and preeclampsia.
The risks of hyperthyroidism to the baby
If hyperthyroidism is treated effectively and timely then the risks to the baby are very low. If you are suffering from hyperthyroidism it is important that you consult with your doctor before you get pregnant so that the proper medication can be given in the satisfactory dose.
Treatment options for a pregnant woman with hyperthyroidism
When hyperthyroidism gets very severe that it needs a therapy then it is best to give anti-thyroid medications as the treatment. Propylthiourcil (PTU) is the anti-thyroid drug of choice.
Hyperthyroidism usually gets worse in the postpartum period which is normally in the first 3 months post delivery. Higher doses of anti-thyroid medications are often required during this time. As usual, close monitoring of thyroid function is necessary.
It is safe to breastfeed your baby if you are on medications for hyperthyroidism such as propylthiourcil (PTU). The baby will require periodic evaluation of its thyroid function in order to ensure that the thyroid levels are maintained normally.
About the Author
Sandra Thomas is a practicing gynecologist based in Denmark. She has been contributing to the field of Women Health and Maternity issues since ten years.
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