Pregnancy with hypothyroidism carries risks for both mother and baby. This disease can be the cause of the development of congenital malformations. Therefore, so that during pregnancy no problems interfere with the normal course, it is worth registering with an endocrinologist in advance and starting treatment in a timely manner.
Child planning
Hypothyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland, which is characterized by excessive intake of thyroid hormones (TSH and free T4) into the blood and insufficient intake of thyroxine.
Primary hypothyroidism is often subclinical and appears only after major hormonal changes. Pregnancy is the trigger that provokes the development of clinical symptoms.
Before pregnancy, thyroid testing should be mandatory, even if problems are not observed and hypothyroidism has not occurred in relatives. A blood test for hormone levels and ultrasound will help assess the condition and functional activity. Based on the results of the research, the doctor will be able to identify the pathology and calculate the possible risks associated with fertilization and gestation.
Hormonal treatment before pregnancy
The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is not considered a sentence. Properly designed treatment will help restore hormonal levels in the shortest possible time. The duration of taking hormonal drugs and vitamins rarely lasts more than 6 months. It is important to take tests after the treatment, and with good results, you can continue to think about planning a child.
If the pregnancy test is positive, you should also be tested for thyroid hormones. With any changes, the endocrinologist will prescribe thyroxine in a higher dosage. This is due to the fact that at the very beginning of pregnancy, the need for them increases. Early start of competent treatment will help to avoid complications in the future. If, before pregnancy, the tests were in order, and after they turned out to be slightly reduced, this does not mean that hypothyroidism has appeared. Most likely, this is just a reaction of the body and after a while it will recover itself. In order for the pregnancy to go smoothly and without complications, it is recommended to take tests for thyroid hormones every 2 months.
The onset of hypothyroidism during pregnancy
A sharp increase in TSH and free T4 is a reason to visit a specialist. Only an endocrinologist will correctly prescribe the dose of thyroxine. For starters, you can assign 2.3 mcg per 1 kg of weight. If there are no symptoms of hypothyroidism, then most likely it is a subclinical form.
It is characterized by the fact that only the level of TSH is changed, and the rest of the indicators remain within the normal range. Even though there are no symptoms in the initial stages, it is worth listening to the endocrinologist and starting taking thyroxine. This replacement therapy will help solve the problem, avoid complications and minimize harm to the fetus.
Consequences of hypothyroidism for a woman
If there is hypothyroidism, and drugs are not taken, then the likelihood of becoming pregnant is very small. This is due to the fact that with a reduced functional activity of the thyroid gland, the process of ovulation does not occur.
If hypothyroidism occurs during pregnancy, and it is not treated with medication, then the chance of having a completely healthy child is drastically reduced. This is due to the fact that during the first trimester, the endocrine system is still being formed in the baby, and it cannot work independently. Therefore, the child is completely dependent on the mother’s hormones. With insufficient intake of thyroid hormones, there is a high risk of a decrease in mental development and the development of congenital malformations. In addition, there is a high probability of miscarriage and stillbirth, which explains the fact that the effect of hormones on pregnancy is enormous.
Symptoms during pregnancy that characterize hypothyroidism:
- Decreased performance and increased fatigue;
- Drowsiness;
- memory impairment;
- Unreasonable weight loss;
- mood swings, irritability;
- Dry skin;
- Constipation.
Relationship between heredity and hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is not considered a disease that is inherited, however, if there are relatives with thyroid problems, then the likelihood of getting sick increases. If there is hypothyroidism, but at the same time all the doctor’s prescriptions are observed during pregnancy , then the chance that it will be transmitted to the child is minimal. Since replacement therapy allows you to fully provide the body with all the necessary hormones.
Hypothyroidism after pregnancy
After childbirth, the hormonal background will gradually recover, and only after a month can one say for sure about the functioning of the thyroid gland. For some women, the problems may disappear completely, and for some, an exacerbation will appear. It is impossible to know about it in advance, as it is unique. A month later, it is worth taking tests and starting from them.
Treatment with folk remedies
Despite the fact that hormone treatment is very effective, it is possible to use folk remedies. They increase metabolism and contribute to the activation of a weakened thyroid gland.
- Food. It is worth reducing the amount of consumed foods that can lead to weight gain. For areas where there is a lack of iodine in the environment, the use of seaweed, cucumbers, and seafood is recommended.
- Freshly squeezed juices from carrots, beets and potatoes have a tonic effect on the thyroid gland.
- Herbal treatment. Traditional medicine suggests making a decoction of St. John’s wort, birch buds, mountain ash. You need only 1 spoon of plants, berries and 1 liter of boiling water. Drink half an hour before meals at least 3 times a day.
- Physical activity has a positive effect on the whole body as a whole. It not only improves metabolism, but also stabilizes hormonal levels.
The use of folk remedies for the treatment of hypothyroidism must be agreed with the doctor, as serious problems will require medical treatment.
Hypothyroidism is considered a serious and dangerous disease, especially for those women who want to have a baby. Pregnancy planning should be competent and with the obligatory supervision of a doctor. It is he who will be able to prescribe the correct doses of drugs that stabilize the hormonal background and the consequences for the child will be excluded.