The Thyroid During Pregnancy
The thyroid fulfills many important functions in our body. However, pregnancy puts extra work on this gland. And this in turn can lead to problems that affect both mother and child. Learn more about the thyroid gland during pregnancy here.
The function of the thyroid is to produce triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These extremely important hormones regulate metabolism and body temperature. They also contribute to the functions of the brain, heart, and muscles.
In addition, the hormones also help with other tasks related to fertility and reproduction in women.
However, after fertilization, this tiny gland has to work overtime. The thyroid is forced to increase the production of thyroxine. This is because some of the hormone is transferred to the fetus. This continues until the baby produces the hormone itself.
In other words, the thyroid can make enough hormones for the mother and baby. But there are also other connections between the thyroid gland and pregnancy. Read on to find out more.
The T4 hormone is responsible for processing the nutrients you have absorbed and converting them into energy. But it’s also one of the hormones that help build the placenta.
Since the fetus does not develop its own thyroid gland until the 12th week of pregnancy, the mother must provide the necessary hormones for herself and for the baby.
The thyroid gland during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the production of T3 increases by about 30%. At the same time, the production of T4 increases by around 50%.
Human chorionic gonadotropin is responsible for stimulating the thyroid gland. It is the hormone that is determined by pregnancy tests. From the second trimester of pregnancy, estrogen also changes the production of this hormone.
Changes in the thyroid gland before pregnancy can cause problems during pregnancy. The same goes for changes that occur during pregnancy.
Underactive thyroid during pregnancy
When the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroxine, it is called hypothyroidism. This means that the thyroid gland does not meet the requirements of pregnancy.
In this case , a doctor will usually prescribe oral medication to the pregnant mother to make up for the deficiency.
A pregnant woman who is deficient can also increase her iodine intake by consuming iodized salt. Iodized salt promotes the production of hormones.
The following symptoms indicate that you have an underactive thyroid:
- fatigue
- weakness
- Weight gain
- constipation
- Muscle and joint pain
- Dry skin
- Weakening of the skin and nails
The combination of underactive thyroid and pregnancy can cause the fetus to develop a goiter or a thyroid tumor after its own thyroid has grown. However, the goiter disappears a few days after the birth.
Hypothyroidism during pregnancy is dangerous if not treated in a timely manner (before the third trimester). For example, women with untreated hypothyroidism pose the following risks:
- Miscarriages
- Premature births
- high blood pressure
- pre-eclampsia
Overactive thyroid during pregnancy
The opposite of hypothyroidism is hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy refers to an overproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland. This means that the amount required for pregnancy is exceeded.
However, the proportion of women who suffer from hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is very low – only about two in 1,000 women develop hyperthyroidism.
Below is a list of the most common signs of the symptoms that indicate hyperthyroidism during pregnancy:
- Tachycardia
- Weight loss
- Tremble
- Irregular bowel function
- Heat intolerance
- Emotional weakness
- Cold, clammy skin
- Thyroid growth
Treatment for hyperthyroidism during pregnancy includes anti-thyroid drugs. This drug normalizes hormone levels, both for the mother and for the baby.
If hyperthyroidism is not treated, the risks to the fetus are:
- Miscarriages
- fetal tachycardia
- low birth weight
- Death (worst case)
Hypothyroidism can also be harmful to the mother. The most common consequences are:
- Thyroid storm : A thyroid storm refers to the worsening of symptoms of being overactive. It is triggered by stress, severe infections, induced anesthesia, abstinence from antithyroid drugs, or iodine treatment.
- Preeclampsia : Preeclampsia is a complication that results in decreased blood flow to the mother’s organs. The organs affected include the kidneys, the brain and also the placenta. In addition, preeclampsia also poses a risk to the life of the unborn child.
Prevention of Thyroid Complications During Pregnancy
Early detection of the disease is extremely important. Timely detection is the most effective way to avoid any complications.
Factors to consider include unhealthy habits and the incidence of thyroid problems in the family.
When a woman expresses a desire to have children or a thyroid problem is diagnosed, the treating doctor usually performs a series of preventive checks. This includes blood tests to measure your hormone levels.
Be aware that the effects of an overactive or underactive thyroid gland during pregnancy can be extremely serious.
However, you shouldn’t worry too much, as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are easy to diagnose. And the treatment is usually not a problem either.
