Understanding the Relationship Between Pregnancy and Thyroid Disorders | Shilpy Hospital

Understanding the Relationship Between Pregnancy and Thyroid Disorders | Shilpy Hospital

During the first trimester of pregnancy, thyroid hormones play a crucial role in ensuring healthy fetal development. Dr. Gaurav Khanna emphasizes the importance of assessing thyroid levels both before and during pregnancy due to the potential occurrence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are thyroid conditions that require careful management during pregnancy. The thyroid, situated in the front of the neck, regulates various bodily functions such as weight, body temperature, heart and nervous system function, and metabolism.

Since the fetus relies on maternal hormones transmitted through the placenta, thyroid hormones are particularly vital in the initial three months of pregnancy to facilitate proper development of the fetal brain and nervous system. Dr. Shilpy Khanna notes that the fetus begins producing its own thyroid hormones around 12 weeks into gestation.

During pregnancy, estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may cause an increase in thyroid levels, potentially complicating the identification of thyroid issues.

However, if you have pre-existing hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, additional medical attention is warranted to manage these conditions during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

It's crucial to promptly inform your doctor of any unusual or new symptoms experienced during pregnancy, such as palpitations or unexplained weight loss.

Untreated thyroid disorders during pregnancy can lead to complications such as premature birth, preeclampsia (high blood pressure), miscarriage, and low birth weight. If you have a history of thyroid disorders, discussing it with your doctor is essential for appropriate monitoring and potential adjustments to medication before and during pregnancy.

Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heart rate, heat sensitivity, and fatigue, may overlap with typical pregnancy symptoms. Other signs include irregular heartbeat, increased anxiety, severe nausea or vomiting, tremors, and difficulty sleeping.

Causes of Thyroid Dysfunction in Pregnancy

Hyperthyroidism:

The most common cause of maternal hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI), a protein produced by the body in response to suspected infection, stimulates excessive thyroid hormone release in individuals with this condition.

Hypothyroidism:

The leading cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the body erroneously attacks the thyroid gland's cells, leading to insufficient thyroid hormone production due to a lack of necessary cells and enzymes.

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