Introduction
During pregnancy, the body undergoes various hormonal changes that can affect the thyroid hormones, potentially leading to complications if not managed properly.
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid hormones are produced at low levels. So, hypothyroidism during pregnancy must be treated to avoid complications.
Pregnancy : Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where an underactive thyroid gland fails to produce adequate thyroid hormones and can have significant complications during this critical period.
Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can affect both the mother’s and the baby’s health.
Causes of hypothyroidism during pregnancy
Hypothyroidism is mainly caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.
It ends up in inflammation and damaging the thyroid gland, thus reducing the hormone production.
Apart from that, in some cases, if a woman dealing with hyperthyroidism is overtreated with anti-thyroid medications, they tend to interfere with the thyroid hormone production and cause hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland secretes excess thyroid hormones.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism during Pregnancy?
Signs of hypothyroidism during pregnancy can be delicate, especially in the early stages, but they tend to get more noticeable over time. Here are some common ones to look out for:
- Fatigue
- Excess Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin and thin hair
- Severe Constipation
- Muscle weakness and aches
- Slow heart rate
- Joint and muscle pain
- Goitre
- Decreased sweating
Normal and abnormal thyroid levels during pregnancy
Thyroid-stimulating hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland that signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
Free T4 refers to the thyroxine hormone in active form circulating in the blood without being bound to proteins.
The below table outlines the normal and abnormal thyroid levels during pregnancy for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels.
Values above or below the normal range are considered abnormal.
When to consult a doctor?
During pregnancy, it’s important to consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms such as fatigue, cold intolerance, and muscle weakness.
How is it diagnosed?
Firstly, a thyroid profile test is done during the first trimester of pregnancy as a routine prenatal test where the thyroid hormonal levels including: TSH, T2, T3, and T4 are tested.
Based on the results, the healthcare professional proceeds with their treatment. If TSH levels are high and T4 levels are low, the pregnant mother is diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
And if the pregnant mother has higher levels of TSH but normal T3, T4 levels, then she is diagnosed with a condition called subclinical hypothyroidism.
This means the chances of the pregnant mother getting hypothyroidism is higher.
In some cases, the doctor might also ask for an ultrasound of your thyroid glands.
How is hypothyroidism treated during pregnancy?
The most prevalent treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
The dosage is tailored based on their thyroid hormone levels and any symptoms.
The pregnant mothers are also advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to avoid certain foods including: cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage), dairy products and soy products.
What are the Risks of hypothyroidism for mother?
Hypothyroidism, when left untreated in pregnant women, can increase the risk of miscarriage and can create complications such as anemia, muscle pain or weakness, congestive heart failure, pre-eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, gestational hypertension, and placental abruption.
Risks of hypothyroidism for baby
Some risks for babies include preterm birth, low birthweight, miscarriage or stillbirth, and thyroid problems.
If a baby is born with congenital hypothyroidism, which means no thyroid function at birth and isn’t treated promptly, they may experience serious cognitive, neurological and developmental challenges.
However, treating this condition in the early stages can prevent these developmental issues in babies.
Also, when a pregnant woman is dealing with severe, untreated hypothyroidism, it can lead to impaired brain development in her baby.
What Foods to avoid if you have hypothyroidism during pregnancy?
- Ultra-processed foods such as potato chips, sweetened beverages
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Excessive Iodine
- Gluten foods such as wheat, barley, and rye
- Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower
- Soy-containing foods
- Fried and fatty foods
- Foods rich in fibre, such as wheat bran, oats, and barley
- Nuts such as peanuts, walnuts or pine nuts
Conclusion
In conclusion, hypothyroidism in pregnancy occurs when a pregnant woman’s thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.
These hormones are crucial for regulating metabolism, energy levels and overall body function.
For appointments and consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733.
Chennai women’s clinic is now Jammi Scans.
FAQs
1. Is hypothyroidism pose high-risk in pregnancy?
If a pregnant woman is affected by hypothyroidism and if they fail to treat and manage it well, this condition can lead to potential risks that can cause complications for the mother and the baby.
If hypothyroidism is not managed well, this condition can cause complications for the mother and the baby.
2. Does hypothyroidism affect normal delivery?
Yes, hypothyroidism can result in potential complications that can lead to a C-section or even an emergency C-section if left untreated or managed properly.
In some cases, it could raise the chances of high blood pressure during pregnancy for mothers with hyperthyroidism.
3. How does hypothyroidism affect the baby in the womb?
Hypothyroidism can have some important effects on a baby’s development only if it’s not managed properly during pregnancy
Low thyroid hormone levels can result in babies’:
- Preterm birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
- Low birth weight
- Respiratory distress in newborns
- Impact the baby’s brain and nervous system development
4. Does hypothyroidism go away after pregnancy?
Usually, pregnancy-related hypothyroidism often improves or even resolves after childbirth.
Some women develop a temporary form of hypothyroidism called postpartum thyroiditis within the first year after giving birth.
Mostly, their thyroid levels return to normal within 12 to 18 months. So, hypothyroidism goes away on its own.
But if the woman had hypothyroidism before pregnancy, then it’s a chronic condition that is unlikely to go away after delivery.
5. Does Hypothyroidism affect my ability in conceiving a baby?
Although it is a little difficult for women with thyroid to get pregnant, it is not impossible. This is because hypothyroidism interferes with ovulation and affects your menstrual cycle and makes it harder to get pregnant.
These low levels also lead to hormonal imbalances that may cause some autoimmune or pituitary disorders too and result in impaired fertility.
6. Can hypothyroidism cause miscarriage?
Thyroid hormones play an important role in the baby’s growth during pregnancy. Also, they rely on the mother’s hormones entirely during the first trimester.
In some cases, if a pregnant woman fails to handle the thyroid levels, there are chances for miscarriage.
So, if hypothyroidism during pregnancy is managed well, it is possible for women with thyroid to give birth to healthy babies.
