Everyone knows that pregnancy is a process that directly depends on the special concentration of sex hormones, and those that are produced in the pituitary gland of a woman. However, not all expectant mothers know that the thyroid gland also plays a significant role in bearing a pregnancy. An acute deficiency of its hormones leads to infertility, and fluctuations in the hormonal background, hypothyroidism, or iodine deficiency lead to the threat of interruption, the development of congenital malformations in the baby and a delay in its growth and development. How does the thyroid gland affect the body of the mother and fetus?
The thyroid gland: functions during pregnancy, the importance of iodine
The hormones that this organ produces regulate protein metabolism in the body, and this is the main building material of all fetal tissues. In addition, these same hormones are also responsible for energy metabolism, the supply of oxygen and glucose to tissues.
Therefore, an acute deficiency of hormones will lead to significant suffering for both the mother’s body and the baby. The work of the thyroid gland in the production of its hormones is strictly controlled by the pituitary and hypothalamus due to the production of special thyrotropins. In addition, iodine is necessary for the production of hormones, this trace element is part of the molecules of different hormones – for one of them three atoms of iodine are needed, for the other – four. Accordingly, the baby in the womb may also suffer due to the fact that in the body of a woman there is too little iodine, which is spent on the needs of the thyroid gland. As a result, the synthesis of hormones is suppressed, which threatens the child with a state of congenital hypothyroidism and the underdevelopment of his own thyroid gland.
The situation with excess hormone production will be no less unpleasant, if the thyroid gland works in an enhanced mode (thyrotoxicosis), this significantly speeds up metabolism, causes toxic effects on internal organs, which threatens pregnancy failure and fetal death.
If before conception a woman suffered from pathologies of this organ, her problems may worsen during pregnancy. Therefore, it is necessary to register as early as possible in a antenatal clinic and be observed not only by a gynecologist, but also by an endocrinologist. The doctor will prescribe a regular blood test for the level of hormones in the gland and an ultrasound scan, based on which treatment will be built and adjusted, or preventive measures will be taken, including iodine intake.
Special situations: impact on the baby
Sometimes, when pregnancy has already begun, special changes in the structure and functioning of the thyroid gland may occur, which will require its removal. However, it is important to remember that such a procedure during pregnancy is contraindicated, the baby will suffer significantly from the abrupt cessation of hormones, especially in the early stages. Therefore, such situations are always complex and treatment tactics for them are determined individually. If a disease is detected that requires the immediate removal of an organ for special medical reasons, unfortunately, pregnancy must be terminated. Such a situation is dangerous in that without the proper hormonal supplementation, which will cease with the removal of the organ, the baby may die. And the mother’s health will significantly deteriorate, which will immediately affect the bearing of the fetus. Fortunately, such cases are rare.
If it is possible to replace the removal with treatment at the expense of drugs that are safe for mother and baby, of course, doctors will prefer waiting, and only after the birth of the baby the question will arise about the operation.
Pregnancy after removal of the thyroid gland
Reproductive functions of a woman after organ removal may decrease, due to a deficiency of thyroid hormones necessary for the full bearing of the baby. Often, if conception occurred before the period when the hormonal background was medically adjusted and leveled, miscarriages or fading of pregnancy occur. This is a serious physical and emotional stress for a woman, so doctors strongly recommend postponing the survey on planning the baby for a period of at least one to two years from the date of surgery.
It is such a time that is required for a woman to undergo a full course of rehabilitation, and she will fully recover a stable hormonal background against the background of received hormone therapy. And it’s worth noting that after removing the thyroid gland for the rest of her life, a woman will be forced to take hormonal drugs in tablets, because the body itself, for lack of an organ, can no longer produce them. During pregnancy planning, you need to visit an endocrinologist and discuss with him questions related to hormone intake and dose recalculation. This is necessary because during pregnancy, the need for them increases significantly, since part is used to cover the needs of the baby.
If there are no concomitant diseases, pregnancy after organ removal, provided that hormones are taken regularly, will proceed without complications. The baby is born on time, having a completely normal height and weight, has no deviations in development.
If treatment is needed?
If there are certain abnormalities in the functioning of the gland during pregnancy, treatment may be required. Only conservative methods are used that are safe for both the mother and the unborn baby. Therapy is necessary in order to even out the level of hormones, to eliminate the unpleasant sensations and symptoms that arise. Often, the main treatment methods are iodine preparations and hormonal drugs, partially replacing the deficiency of natural hormones.
If an oncological lesion of the gland is revealed during pregnancy, if possible, treatment is postponed for a period after the birth of the baby. This is due to the fact that an operation or treatment with radioactive iodine during pregnancy is extremely dangerous with negative consequences. Often, malignant tumors of the thyroid gland progress slowly, which makes it possible to properly convey pregnancy before the due date, and only after childbirth and even feeding the baby begin treatment. But the final decision in this matter remains with the doctor and the patient herself.