Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy
If you've got hypothyroidism, you're probably wondering how it will affect you and baby during pregnancy -- and how you can safely treat it. Look no further.
What is hypothyroidism during pregnancy?
Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough hormones. It can cause some bodily functions to slow.
What are the signs of hypothyroidism?
Weight gain, fatigue and swelling. Sounds like a normal pregnancy, right? That’s why hypothyroidism can be tough to diagnose during pregnancy.
Are there any tests for hypothyroidism?
Yes, your doc will likely run a blood test to see how much of the thyroid hormones are running through your bod.
How common is hypothyroidism during pregnancy?
It’s actually not so common to see pregnant women with hypothyroidism, since women with the untreated condition tend to have high rates of infertility.
How did I get hypothyroidism?
We don’t know! Causes of hypothyroidism aren’t clear. It’s been linked to autoimmune disease, treatment for hyperthyroidism, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medication.
How will my hypothyroidism affect my baby?
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight babies and learning disabilities later in baby’s life. Here’s the good news: Generally, pregnancy won’t worsen your condition, and it’s not likely that you’ll pass it on to baby since the fetus has its own thyroid gland that kicks in after birth.
-- Dr. Ashley Roman