Thyroid and Its Effect on Pregnancy?

Prenatal counseling is crucial for all women planning their pregnancy to evaluate and diagnose chronic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid which can have harmful effects on the pregnancy.

Thyroid i.e. hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect pregnancy but by taking crucial steps as suggested by the doctor you can have a healthy pregnancy.

How does the Thyroid affect pregnancy?

The thyroid hormones have an essential role in the development of the baby’s brain and neural system during the first half of the pregnancy. Women's thyroid hormones constantly change during pregnancy and can lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Conceiving can be an issue if suffering from thyroid disease. However, with appropriate guidance from Doctors, it will be easy to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. Make sure to follow all the necessary precautions and treatments as advised by them throughout pregnancy.

1. Hypothyroidism:

• Effect on Mother: Prevent the release of the egg from the ovary.
• Interfere with the development of an embryo.
• Increases the risk of miscarriage.

• Effect on Fetus: The baby's brain development is affected
• Mental retardation
• Stunted growth.

2. Hyperthyroidism:

• Effect on Mother: Increased blood pressure
• Preeclampsia.

• Effect on Fetus: Preterm birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
• Low birth weight for the baby
• Fetal tachycardia (fast heart rate)

How do you manage the thyroid at different stages of pregnancy?

1. Prenatal Regulation: 

• Before planning a pregnancy it is important to go for prenatal counseling.
• Thyroid disorders need proper treatment and thyroid levels need to be maintained before preparing for conception. It is essential to bring the thyroid levels back to normal before getting pregnant as:
• Thyroid imbalance leads to irregular periods and makes it harder to conceive.
• The fetus's thyroid develops approximately by the end of the first trimester. Until the thyroid is formed in the fetus, the fetus needs the supply of thyroid hormones from the mother. If the thyroid levels are not ideal, it hampers the baby's growth and development.

2. During pregnancy:

Once thyroid levels are normal, your body is ready for pregnancy. However, women have to take care even after becoming pregnant.

• Continue medications as per the doctor’s advice
• Go for regular follow-ups: The doctor will keep changing the dose of the medications according to thyroid levels.
• Never skip your medicines: Take the medications at the proper time and never forget to take a single dose.

3. After your pregnancy: 

Post-birth too, thyroid care needs to be continued.

• Continue medications: You need to continue the thyroid medications for 6 weeks after delivery.
• Blood tests: The hormone changes after post-delivery. Hence, you need to take the blood tests again to check them. In most women, the thyroid levels may get back to normal and the doctor may stop the medications. However, women may need to continue getting thyroid treatment.

Can you get thyroid during pregnancy?

Yes, it is possible to get diagnosed with thyroid disorder during pregnancy as well which is usually detected during the first pregnancy checkup.

If diagnosed with it, do not panic. The Doctor will immediately start the required treatment and with proper treatment and care prevent any repercussions later.

It is hence important that you are under the constant care of a doctor and do not miss any follow-up appointments.

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey!!!!!