The thyroid gland is one of the most important organs of internal secretion of the body of any person. The correct performance of all organs as a whole depends on it. This is especially important during pregnancy, because the hormones of this gland directly affect both the formation and development of the fetus. Many people wonder what hyperthyroidism is and how dangerous it is.
Hyperthyroidism Is a syndrome characterized by increased production of thyroid hormones. The amount of T3 (thyroxine) and T4 (triiodothyronine) increases in the blood. As a result, the so-called thyrotoxicosis appears and progresses in the cells – this is a reaction that is accompanied by an intense acceleration of all metabolic processes in the body. In most cases, the presence of hyperthyroidism can be detected in women of reproductive age. In order for pregnancy to come and go without any problems, a normal level of thyroid hormones is very important. Hyperthyroidism and related diseases are very bad for pregnancy, so this problem, of course, requires attention and treatment. It is also important to note that until our time, doctors did not know about the negative impact of this problem on the mental development of the fetus, therefore, cases of the birth of children diagnosed with cretinism were massive. For this reason, it was concluded that this is the influence of hyperthyroidism.
Complications of pregnancy with hyperthyroidism
When hyperthyroidism and pregnancy are combined, it can lead to very dangerous consequences for the unborn child. Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland in the expectant mother can lead to disturbances in the functioning of the same organ in the fetus, goiter and the development of serious lesions of the nervous system, cretinism and other diseases. Therefore, at the first symptoms of hyperthyroidism, it is important to consult a doctor.
In addition, you need to know that with hyperthyroidism, the likelihood of the appearance of conditions such as:
- Fetal miscarriage;
- The presence of placental insufficiency;
- Delayed fetal mental development;
- Gestosis; • Presence of anemia;
- The occurrence of placental abruption;
- Premature birth;
- Intrauterine fetal death.
The consequences for the child are very serious, since in case of violation, the mother’s necessary hormones practically do not penetrate the placenta and do not affect the fetus.
In this case, the symptoms of fetal hyperthyroidism are as follows:
- Significant enlargement of the thyroid gland;
- Severe swelling;
- Cardiac ailments;
- Slowdown in growth and development.
What to do? As a rule, treatment for hyperthyroidism is prescribed by an endocrinologist. Also, outside of pregnancy, a woman undergoes intensive medication. For the treatment of pregnant women, special antithyroid drugs are prescribed. It is important that pregnancy (in the presence of hyperthyroidism) be planned. Before conception, a woman is advised to consult a doctor, take TSH tests and ultrasound of the thyroid gland, then undergo a course of treatment.
By the way, many people think that hyperthyroidism is necessarily accompanied by endocrine ophthalmopathy, or, more simply, bulging. In fact, these are two different diseases that can be observed separately from each other. But often they really do combine, so eye enlargement is a good reason to contact an endocrinologist.
By the way, many people think that hyperthyroidism is necessarily accompanied by endocrine ophthalmopathy, or, more simply, bulging. In fact, these are two different diseases that can be observed separately from each other. But often they really do combine, so eye enlargement is a good reason to contact an endocrinologist.