Thyroid Conditions During Pregnancy

During the first half of pregnancy, a pregnant body's need for the thyroid hormone called thyroxin increases. Thyroid problems during pregnancy can either take the form of hypothyroidism (when there is a lack of the hormone) or hyperthyroidism (when the gland is overactive).

The Facts About Thyroid Conditions during Pregnancy

• 1 in 50 women experience hormone deficiency or hypothyroidism (it is that common) during pregnancy
• The need for thyroid hormone can begin as early as 1 week after a missed period. Thyroid hormone shoots up because of fetal demand
• Deficiency in iodine can cause hypothyroidism; in some situations, prenatal vitamins solves the iodine problem
• The symptoms of hypo include fatigue, moodiness, constipation, weight gain, skin problems; all these are very much akin to pregnancy symptoms. That is why this problem often gets overlooked
• A tell-tale sign of hypothyroidism includes cold intolerance (as opposed to feeling warm all the time during pregnancy)
• In cases of severe morning sickness or vomiting (hyperemesis), an abnormal functioning of the thyroid should become prime suspect
• Additional symptoms of hypothyroidism include muscle aches and cramps, memory loss, swelling
• In cases of hypothyroidism, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone is given to keep the condition under control
• Hyperthyroidism is not as common in pregnant women; it results when the hormone is in overproduction mode or when there is an excess of iodine
• Again, symptoms are synonymous with pregnancy symptoms: fatigue, insomnia, weight loss, sensitivity to heat, rapid heart beat, restlessness
• Bulging eyes are the most striking tell-tale sign
• In hyper cases, medications are given to suppress the supply
• The most common type of hyperthyroidism is called Grave's disease
• Mild cases of hyper often corrects itself during pregnancy since the demand for thyroxin rises
• In moderate to severe cases, hyperthyroidism should not be ignored because of the dangerous consequences

The Problems

Both conditions are dangerous to mother, baby and the pregnancy if left untreated.

• Women with untreated thyroid conditions may have trouble conceiving
• Iodine deficiency is becoming increasingly common in women of childbearing age. This lack can interfere with the production of thyroxin leading to hypo situations. Note:This trace mineral can be found in iodized salt and seafood.
• Even borderline hypothyroid cases in pregnancy require urgent attention. The baby's nervous and system and brain development is in jeopardy if the mother is affected
• Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can lead to hyperemesis which will require hospitalization and rehydration
• Hyperthyroidism may have links to miscarriage, low birth weight or premature babies and maternal hypertension
• Babies who do not get adequate amounts of thyroxin while in the utero will go on to develop retardation, brain damage, and possibly loss of hearing. Therefore it is very important for the thyroid inflicted pregnant woman to control this disorder with medication.

The Actions

Pregnant women with hypo are treated with thyroid hormone supplements while those with hyper are medicated with drugs like PTU

• Screening is very important for women over 35 with any autoimmune conditions such as diabetes
• Screening is crucial in women with a strong history of thyroid problems
• Inform your doctor if you have any symptoms relating to thyroid dysfunction before or during pregnancy
• Get your thyroid function checked as soon as you suspect you are pregnant
• A pregnant woman's thyroid function will be checked 3-4 times during the pregnant months. Medication will be adjusted accordingly
• A simple blood test will be able to determine if there is a problem or not
• The blood test will measure both the hormone level in the blood (T4) and the quantity of thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH
• Abnormal levels are indicative of the body overworking to compensate the underactive or overactive gland
• Treatment of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is more challenging than treating hypothyroidism
• In a pregnant woman with hyper, lowest effective doses of drugs such as PTU will be given
• In cases of drug intolerance, surgery in the second trimester to reduce the thyroid may be considered
• Meanwhile eliminating stress somewhat helps combat Grave's disease
• In pregnancies where hypo is the issue, treatment would include the administration of drugs or iodine supplements or both.