Thyroid disease influences different aspects of pregnancy and postpartum well-being for the mother and the newborn child. There have been differed and contradicting practices with respect to thyroid and pregnancy. Accordingly, a group of endocrinologist met up to discuss various cures containing clinical guidelines for the management of thyroid problems during pregnancy and during the postpartum period.

Hypothyroidism & Pregnancy

The state of hypothyroidism in a mother or an unborn child can bring about serious health issues on the unborn baby. If a woman knows about her condition as properly diagnosed hypothyroidism, she should reconsider attempting to get pregnant or avoid maternal hypothyroidism altogether.

A woman diagnosed as hypothyroid amid her pregnancy should undergo treatment quickly. Thyroid function tests should be reviewed and re- assessed within 30 to 40 days after  the initial diagnosis. The goal is to  reestablish her thyroid levels to back  normal as soon as possible.

When a pregnant woman achieves week four to six, her thyroid medicine measurement will almost  often need to be increased. It is  possible that her dose will increment by anywhere from thirty to fifty percent. It is recommended that she be observed regularly all through the pregnancy for elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

The diagnosis involves determining if a woman has a goiter, tests positive for thyroid antibodies or both. Once childbirth has occurred, most women who have been determined to have hypothyroidism should have their medication dosage reduced. Generally, pregnant women are given anti-thyroid medication as a major aspect of treatment, especially when initially diagnosed.

There are circumstances where surgery might be the only suggested technique for treatment instead of medications. They are:

  • If there is a severe negative reaction to anti-thyroid drugs.
  • If a woman requires an extremely high dosage to control her hyperthyroidism.
  • Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism remains despite treatment.

If the above cases are evident, surgery is recommended usually during the second trimester.

 Note: Radioactive iodine should never be administered to any woman who is or may be pregnant.

Please visit Our Thyroid Specialist for more information and be sure to check out our service areas.