Thyroid Problems and Pregnancy

The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. It is located in neck. The thyroid glands controls the metabolism of the body, makes proteins and also controls how sensitive should the body be to other hormones. However, the main function of the thyroid gland is to produce thyroid hormones, namely T₃ and T₄. A hormone called 'calicitonin' is also produced by the thyroid glands, which has an important role to play ion calcium homeostasis. Most of the thyroid problems either are due to overactive thyroid gland, which causes hyperthyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland, that leads to hypothyroidism.

Thyroid Problems during Pregnancy

A number of women suffer from pregnancy induced thyroid problems. The most common thyroid problem, which can affect women around or during pregnancy is hypothyroidism. More often than not the thyroid problem in women during pregnancy may go unnoticed. This can be attributed to the fact, that women tend to gain weight and also may experience tiredness, but they are also symptoms that can be said to be common during pregnancy. It is with the TSH level test, that if the woman suffers from thyroid problem can be determined.

Depending on kind of thyroid problems and the trimester the woman is in, will the appropriate treatment be decided. More often than not, thyroid hormone medication are given in such a case. They are said to have no side effects neither on the mother nor on the baby, as long as the right type of hormone and right dosage has been prescribed. Women who have suffered from thyroid problems previously will have to ensure, that the same is intimated to their health care professional, as the thyroid hormone dosage will have to be altered in that case. If the thyroid problem is detected, then it is recommended, that regular blood tests are carried out for the TSH level all through the pregnancy and also afterwards. This will make sure that the right amount of dosage is being administered.

Although hypothyroidism is very commonly seen in pregnant women, there are women who may also suffer from hyperthyroidism. The symptoms like feeling warm, having fast heartbeats, nervousness, trouble in sleeping or nausea may be seen as pregnancy related issues, but they can also be caused due to thyroid problems. Often during pregnancy it may be overlooked. Iodine deficiency in pregnancy can also give rise to thyroid problem during pregnancy. Hyperthyroidism should be brought under control during pregnancy at the earliest, as it can cause miscarriages or birth defects.

There are a number of effective treatments, which are now available to treat the condition. Normally antithyroid medication is prescribed, which help in cutting down the overproduction of hormones. During pregnancy certain drugs may be given to the patient because these also have a positive effect on the thyroid levels of the baby. It is with regular tests, that the appropriate dosage is adjusted. There are some cases, where the women may not be able to take antithyroid drugs, due to allergy or some other side effects. In such a case, the only alternative which can be used is surgical intervention and the thyroid gland will have to be removed. Many a time radioactive iodine is said to be very beneficial in treating hyperthyroidism, but it should not be taken during pregnancy, as it damages the thyroid gland of the baby.

Thyroid Problems after Pregnancy

According to research, about 5% women suffer from thyroid problems after pregnancy. It is the inflammation of the thyroid gland and is called postpartum thyroiditis. More often than not this condition is painless and may not cause gland enlargement. However, it certainly does interfere with the production of thyroid hormones. In most of the cases, there is overproduction of thyroid hormone leading to hyperthyroidism. This condition lasts for a few weeks after delivery. The symptoms also may go unnoticed as they can be attributed to lack of sleep, nervousness, depression, etc., which are common postpartum symptoms. It is with the tests, that the condition can be diagnosed correctly. Normally a lengthy process is not involved in the same.

From this article on thyroid problems and pregnancy, it is clear that thyroid problems can affect women during their pregnancy and also after their pregnancy. Therefore, if there are symptoms of any of the thyroid problems, it is better to seek medical help, so that the problem can be brought under control while it is still in its nascent stage.