Hypothyroidism and pregnancy go hand in hand for about one out of every hundred child-bearing woman. Because so many of the symptoms of this condition are common and easy to construe as other things…especially when you are pregnant, it can easily go undetected.
Fatigue and gaining weight are normal in pregnancy, and often unusual menstrual cycles can occur as well. Added to that is the new trend toward waiting to have babies until your thirties and forties. Age is a factor.
Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy Affects The Hormones
An underactive thyroid doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormones, and will start causing some subtle, not very alarming symptoms. Be aware of what they are, and ask your doctor to order a blood test for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism and pregnancy are a combination you do not want to ignore.
Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy Can Equal Weight Gain, Fatigue and Facial Problems
In addition to the weight gain and fatigue, there are many facial symptoms that may occur. If your face looks swollen or puffy, eyelids are droopy, skin and/or nails begins to look unusually dry or coarse, or your speech is slower than normal and sounds hoarse when you speak, you may be having a thyroid problem.Other symptoms that you might have are muscle cramps, constipation, tingling in your hands, an orange tint to the skin of your palms and soles, a slower than normal pulse, confusion, and even loss of hair in your eyebrows. As you can see, hypothyroidism and pregnancy may exhibit many similar side effects and symptoms.
Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy: Effect on the Fetus
Hypothyroidism can affect the fetus, since the baby has to rely on mom for its thyroid hormones in the first few months in the womb. During this time the thyroid hormones are playing an active role in developing the brain. If there is an insufficient amount of this hormone for the fetus, it stands the risk of being born with abnormal psychomotor development or a lower IQ. Preeclampsia, miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth weights are also possible.
Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy: Early Detection Is Key
Early detection can reduce the possibility of harmful effects. If you are planning to get pregnant, it is a good idea to be tested for hypothyroidism before you start. If you find yourself pregnant and have a familial history of the condition, ask your doctor for a TSH test.
Once it is diagnosed, hypothyroidism and pregnancy will be handled the same way it would be under normal conditions. A dosage of thyroid hormone is taken daily. It is perfectly safe for both the mother and the fetus. When the baby is born, its thyroid hormone levels will be routinely tested.