Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy: Risks for Both Mother and Baby
Hypothyroidism during pregnancy occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, which can severely impact both the mother and the fetus. Common causes include:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune condition).
- Previous thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.
- Overuse of anti-thyroid medications.
- A family history of thyroid disorders or prior thyroid inflammation during pregnancy.
Effects on the Mother:
- Fatigue, sluggishness, drowsiness.
- Anemia, muscle weakness.
- Congestive heart failure, constipation.
- Increased risk of preeclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage.
Effects on the Baby:
- Higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
- Birth defects, delayed physical and intellectual development.
- Low birth weight, congenital hypothyroidism.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Since hypothyroidism develops gradually and symptoms can be mistaken for other pregnancy-related issues, thyroid function tests are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
- Treatment mainly involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) under medical supervision.
- Medication dosage may need adjustments throughout pregnancy to maintain stable hormone levels.
- Proper timing when taking iron and calcium supplements is essential, as they can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption.
Prevention:
- Ensure adequate iodine intake through diet, such as iodized salt, seafood, eggs, dairy, and dark green leafy vegetables.
- Screen thyroid function before and during pregnancy, especially in high-risk women.
- Stabilize pre-existing thyroid conditions before conception.
Recognizing and treating hypothyroidism in pregnancy is crucial to safeguarding the mother’s health and ensuring the baby’s proper development.
