Know how dangerous is pregnancy in underactive thyroid? : Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism is a condition in which a person’s thyroid gland does not work properly. That is, these glands are not able to make enough of the hormones necessary for the body. Let us tell you that the hormones released from the thyroid gland affect every part of our body. For this reason, the condition of an underactive thyroid pregnancy directly affects. Along with this, it has a direct effect on the heart, brain, muscles as well as our skin. The thyroid gland controls the metabolism of our body. In such a situation, if thyroid hormones are low, then the activity of the whole body slows down. Especially in women, if there is hypothyroidism, then it starts creating obstacles in their pregnancy and also negatively affects their fertility. In this article, we will give you information about Hypothyroidism in pregnancy.

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy

If a woman has the problem of hypothyroidism, then first of all she will have to face many difficulties in conceiving. You may be complaining of anaemia due to heavy periods for a long time or your periods have stopped completely. Once you take this medicine, your thyroid hormones will return to normal and you can become pregnant. Higher doses of levothyroxine may be recommended during pregnancy, especially for the first 4 months of pregnancy. This is so that the thyroid hormone can be supplied properly to the child.

The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect metabolism, which controls many bodily processes. Without those hormones, your own body can’t function well, much less the baby inside you.

• According to a research, 3 percent of American women have the problem of hypothyroidism. In such a situation, if the right treatment is not received during pregnancy, then the risk of many types of pregnancy related problems, including miscarriage, increases in pregnant women.
• The second big danger is that it also has a negative effect on the child. According to a study, Women who gave birth to children with hypothyroidism, those children were found to have lower IQ levels. According to experts, this happened because thyroid hormone is also responsible for the brain development of the child.
• Thyroid autoantibodies start working by the time of pregnancy in 5 to 15 percent of women. If the test is found positive in pre-pregnancy tests, then thyroid hormone test should be done every 4-6 weeks during pregnancy. This is because the woman does not get hypothyroid during pregnancy.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in pregnancy

Symptoms of hypothyroidism during pregnancy are similar to those of other people, such as:

• extreme tiredness
• trouble dealing with cold
• Muscle cramps
• severe constipation
• Problems with memory or concentration

Causes of hypothyroidism in pregnancy

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is usually caused by Hashimoto’s disease. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system makes antibodies that attack the thyroid. This causes inflammation and damage, which makes it less able to make thyroid hormones.

How does hypothyroidism affect the mother and the baby?

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is not treated properly, then the following problems can occur:

• Preeclampsia – a dangerous increase in blood pressure in pregnancy
• Anaemia
• Miscarriage
• Low birthweight at birth
• Stillbirth
• congestive heart failure

Thyroid hormones are very important for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system, especially during the first trimester. If the child does not get it in the right amounts it can lead to low intelligence and problems with normal development. If there is hypothyroidism in pregnancy, it is very important to get treatment on time.

Treatment of hypothyroidism in women

It is very important for women to get treatment for hypothyroidism to avoid infertility. If infertility persists despite treatment for hypothyroidism, the patient needs further medical examination.

Usually, doctors give a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine to the patient of hypothyroidism, but if a woman becomes pregnant, it is necessary to consult a doctor because the woman needs more dosage during pregnancy. At the same time, this medicine is safe for the child.

What if I have an underactive thyroid?

If a woman is suffering from underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism and wants to become a mother, then definitely seek medical advice. Your doctor can check to see if your hypothyroidism is under control. If you already have hypothyroidism before pregnancy, inform your doctor as soon as possible. In this situation, your thyroid hormone levels will be closely monitored. This monitoring will last until the end of your pregnancy, so that there is no risk of the baby falling and becoming abnormal. The risk of developing hypothyroidism in pregnancy increases. Along with this, pregnant women should include the following things in the diet in case of hypothyroidism:

• Eggs: Eggs contain iodine and selenium, which help in maintaining the amount of protein in the body.
• Fish: Include fish in the diet. Especially eat salmon and tuna. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help in maintaining the immune system.
• Consume fruits: It would be better to consume bananas, oranges and berries.
• Dairy products: Milk, yogurt and cheese can be consumed as the probiotic present in it is beneficial for the thyroid patient.
• Gluten free cereals: For this, include chia seeds and flax seeds in the diet.
• Consumption of green vegetables is important: Eat all types of green vegetables. Just keep in mind not to consume goitrogen-rich vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, mustard greens or Chinese cabbage.

We hope you liked this article on Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy. If you have any questions regarding your problem, please do not forget to consult your doctor.