Thyroid hormones from the mother are crucial for the development of the baby until 12 weeks of life until the baby develops its own thyroid! Know the importance of thyroid monitoring during pregnancy by reading more…
Pregnancy brings in various hormonal and physical changes. In this view, the occurrences of thyroid disorders are very common during this phase. The common prevalence of thyroid disorders can be highlighted by statistics which state that 0.1 to 0.4% of pregnant women carry high thyroid hormones levels (hyperthyroidism). Not just that elevated levels are alarming but deficit can be distress too, as 2 to 3% of women fall under being hypothyroid.
Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder that mimics the stimulation of thyroid hormones) remains a cause for the former whereas Hashimoto disease (an autoimmune disease that hinders the production of thyroid hormones) for the later.
Why is it important in pregnancy?
Thyroid hormones play a pivotal role in the development of the baby’s brain and the nervous system. These have further gained importance as their fluctuations during pregnancy (i.e high TSH levels and normal FT4, or high TSH and low FT4) can lead to fetal loss, premature birth and impaired cognitive function. Also, if the mother carries antibodies for thyroid hormones, it poses a high risk of fetal loss and plus remains a causative factor for hyperthyroidism in the fetus.
Warning calls for Thyroid imbalance
Hypothyroidism
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Severe constipation
- Inability to concentrate
Outcomes of Thyroid Dysfunction
Hypothyroidism consequences
On pregnant women
- Anaemia
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
On the newborn
- Low birth weight
- Low IQ
Care for the Duo!
Although not a life-threatening condition, a slight ignorance can lead to severe health complications and can impair the quality of life. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends routine screening of TSH before as well in the first trimester of pregnancy among all pregnant women and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also suggests serum TSH testing in pregnant women who fail to show any symptoms. Thus, a simple blood test would guide in opting for appropriate care, thereby enhancing the quality of both lives.
“A test in time saves twain”
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