Thyroid and Pregnancy:
Pregnancy is a happy time to be celebrated and this is a time the women body goes through many physical, emotional, and physiological changes. And if a person suffers with Thyroid problems, it can increase adverse effects for both the baby and the mother.
Pregnancy causes a major change in the levels of hormones created by the thyroid glands. And because of that reason, if a person never suffered with thyroid problems can start having thyroid issues and if a person already suffers with a thyroid condition the problem could worsen even after childbirth.
The thyroid job is to produce the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) which refers to how the body uses and stores it energy. When the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid, it is known as under active thyroid or hypothyroidism and when the gland is overactive it is called hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism increases the body’s metabolism which cause weight loss, hand tremors and irregular heartbeat.
Let’s look at it in a simpler term. The thyroid hormone is like a messenger telling all the body parts how fast and slow they should be working. It is the thyroid gland job to make sure everyone part have enough energy to carry out it function within the body.
One day the thyroid was not able to work as it once did before and it was not able to send the body the energy it needs to operate properly, and this made the body feel very tired and sluggish. The body begin to feel cold all the time and weigh gain start to happen without a cause. But with the correct diagnosis and treatment the body can start to get back to its normal self.
Thyroid hormones, including Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), are essential for the development and well-being of both the mother and the growing fetus. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of TSH during pregnancy, its effects on maternal health and fetal development, and important considerations for expecting mothers.
Table of Contents
- Changes in TSH Levels During Pregnancy
- Risks of Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy:
- Medication Options
- Natural Options
Changes in TSH Levels During Pregnancy
During pregnancy the need for thyroid hormone increases and it is shown that the increase could be as much as 50 percent of serum thyroid hormone depending on what stages of pregnancy a woman is.
The TSH levels will change throughout the pregnancy because of the hormonal change happening in the body due to the growth of the baby. In the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy the HCG becomes extremely active. HCG is a comes from the placenta which helps the thyroid gland to work a little harder during pregnancy. So, the HCG gives the thyroid gland a little boost to make sure everything runs as it should for the health and growth of the baby. 0.1-2.5 mlU/L is a normal range for the TSH level for a woman in her first trimester of carrying. If the TSH level is between 2.5 and 4.87 mlU/L is considered abnormal during the first trimester and medication may need to be prescribed.
When a woman reach her 2nd or 3rd trimesters, the TSH levels will continue to increase but usually stay within normal range to be considered a healthy active thyroid. 0.2-3.0 mlU/L for the second trimester and 0.3-3.5 mlU/L for third trimester is considered normal range. This increase is required due to the need for thyroid hormones by the mother and the baby.
Changes in your thyroid hormone during pregnancy will happen and is unavoidable. But here’s a list of some of the most common symptoms:
Common Side Effects:
- Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual.
- Weight Change: Weight gain at a fast or loss rate no matter how much you watch what you eat or exercise.
- Temperature Sensitivity: You may feel cold or hot when the environment doesn’t ask for it.
- Digestive Issues: Constipation or diarrhea
- Dry Skin and Hair: You will experience a period of dry skin and weak hair.
Fluctuation in the TSH level during pregnancy will happen and is normal. It is the normal physiological reaction to the change in the woman’s body. And understanding that keeping well balanced thyroid level is important for the growth and development of the fetus. So, make sure you regularly monitors your thyroid functions including your TSH levels, and if you feel you are having any symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider about your concerns.
Risks of Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy:
The thyroid gland plays a very important part I production in the hormone within the body. Fertility becomes an issue when a women body is dealing with thyroid misfunctions. We know that hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism is where the gland over or underproduce hormones that greatly disturb the fertility process.
The most common of the two is hypothyroidism which impacts the ovulation period from happening when it should. With the disruption of the menstrual cycle can lead to irregular or absent ovulation and this make it difficult to reproduce. Severe hypothyroidism that promotes high TSH although is rare in pregnancy due to the menstrual irregularities that inhibit ovulation. If hypothyroidism go untreated during pregnancy can lead to various complications such as: miscarriage, preeclampsia, growth limits, premature birth, and brain developmental issue in the baby brain.
Just as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism can create risks during pregnancy even though it’s less common and don’t happen as often. Complication of untreated hyperthyroidism includes:
- Preeclampsia – High Blood Pressure
- Congestive Heart Failure – Heart is not able to pump blood throughout the body.
- Growth Restriction – Smaller than normal at birth.
- Fetal Heart Abnormalities – How the heart is shaped and works.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism in pregnancy differ and require close monitoring and the correct medication is needed to eliminate the risks to the mother and the baby.
The dysfunction of the thyroid glands can interfere with a woman’s monthly period. If you are having irregular periods, you need to speak with our doctor to get screened for thyroid disease. Studies suggest that hypothyroidism TSH level above 2.5 is connected to greater chance of a miscarriage.
If you are planning to get pregnant and you have been having some issues conceiving and experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, I advise you get your thyroid checked. Your doctor may run several blood tests to verify any thyroid problems. The two most common tests to check your thyroids is TSH and the T4 test. Screening for thyroid dysfunction can be helpful in improving pregnancy results.
During pregnancy, make sure the doctor doesn’t order a radioactive iodine uptake or administer radioactive iodine therapy.
- Radioactive Iodine is not good for the baby. Why? The baby grows inside the mother and when the doctor uses radioactive iodine which is a kind of energy, this energy can reach the baby. This energy isn’t safe for the baby because it can disrupt how the baby’s thyroid works. And the thyroid helps the body grow and stay healthy and this iodine can hurt it.
- Radioactive iodine therapy should be ordered 6 months prior to conception because it can cross the placenta and impact the development of the fetus. The body need time to eliminate the radioactive iodine to decrease the contamination to the fetus.
Do not allow your doctor to administer methimazole during the 1st trimester.
- Methimazole is a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland. It is recommended to avoid taking methimazole because it increase the risk of birth defects how the baby’s face, neck, scalp, trouble breathing or delays in development.
If thionamide is required, propylthiouracil is preferred. Propylthiouracil may be substituted with methimazole in the 2nd trimester.
- Propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole are both thionamide medications used for hyperthyroidism. But PTU is preferred due to the lower risk of birth defects. PTU is less likely to affect the white blood cells or the liver.
Prescribed Medication Option
If you are considering taking medication for your thyroid issues or required to start a medication regimen, here are a list of prescribed and natural solutions I recommend you research. Make sure you do your research before you start any medication so you can be informed about your health and not just leave your life in the doctor’s hands.
- Liothyronine (Cytomel) – A medication that contains synthetic T3 hormone replacement that is less commonly prescribed during pregnancy. This medication, when prescribed, is used for hypothyroidism. Liothyronine is more powerful than and works faster in your body compared to other thyroid medication. But Liothyronine have a shorter active period in the body. This medication doesn’t stay active for long which means you have to take the mediation more often throughout the day to keep your thyroid levels regulated in your blood.
So, in simpler terms, liothyronine is a thyroid medication that works quickly and stronger, but you must take more to make sure your body stay stable.
- Levothyroxine – Another option for pregnant individuals which is the number one prescribe thyroid medication during pregnancy. Levothyroxine work the same in pregnant people as it does in non-pregnant people.
Levothyroxine is a man-made version of thyroxine (T4) which is the main hormones produced by the thyroid gland. The stability and long half-life is good in this drug. This medication stays in the body for a long time and there is no need to take it more than once per day.
Levothyroxine allows your thyroid hormones levels to be consistent because it stays in your body for such a long period of time making it easier for you to feel better and stay healthy.
Doctors consider this drug not only because of its effectiveness but due to it coming in various generic brands, the availability, and the affordability. So, if you’re pregnant and having thyroid issues, you will most likely be prescribed this drug because its stability and established safety profile for the mother ang the growing child.
Natural Options
Now that we understand how important it is for a pregnant woman with thyroid issues get treatment, let’s take a look at some natural remedies that should be considered and research before you start to get on a lab made medication. Under the guidance of your doctor, a natural remedy can be just as effective as a prescribed drug.
- Iodine – Iodine is an essential mineral that’s needed to make thyroid hormones. Individuals with iodine defects run into the risk of hypothyroidism. During pregnancy, a woman needs more iodine to help her baby grow and ensure her thyroid working properly.
If you suspect you may have an iodine deficiency, your doctor can give you a blood test or urine test. You can get iodine from many food sources such as: Seafood (fish, shrimp, crabs, etc.), milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, and seaweed. So, make sure you are eating food with iodine or taking a supplement but before you make any big changes to your lifestyle, run it by your doctor.
- Selenium – Selenium is a mineral that supports the thyroid functions and helps our bodies stay healthy. It’s like the superhero that fights against the bad stuff in our bodies.
Where can you find selenium? You can find selenium in foods including Brazil nuts, shellfish, grains, veggies, and sunflower seeds. If we don’t get enough selenium, we may feel tired, slow down growth, and cause other help problems. So, make sure you are mixing up your food to ensure you or getting the right amount of selenium which can be determined by your doctor.
Make sure you weigh out all your options when it comes to you taking any medication. You can never assume the doctor knows your body better than you. It is up to you to take control of your health and not 100% put all your trust in your doctor. This is your life, your health and it’s your responsibility to see that you are getting the best care possible. Don’t let your health be a mystery start your journey of awareness today!
