Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy

Hello everyone, I am Dr Archana Prabhu. I am an Obstetrician and gynaecologist, practicing in MUmbai. Today I will like to discuss about Thyroid Problems.

What is Thyroid?

Thyroid is a small endrocrine gland situated in front of the sound box, in the middle of the neck. 

Why is it so important?

The importance of thyroid gland is that it controls our metabolism. It controls the heart rate, skin thickness, texture. It controls our brain, mood, nervous systems, hair and so many other things are controlled by Thyroid. Any thing goes wrong with thyroid. If secretion becomes more, we call it as hyperthyroidism or if secretion become less, we call it as hypothyroidism. THere are problems, out of these problems, 75% of the problems are Hypothyroidism. THat means the secretion through thyroid glands are sub normal. So, I would like to discuss Hypothyroidism.

What happens in Hypothyroidism and how do we come to know that we are suffering from this problem?

Usual problems are;

• Excessive weight gain
• Sudden weight gain
• Swelling in the feet or legs
• Depression
• Irritation
• Lethargic
• Constipation
• Dry skin problem
• Hair loss
• Difficulty in conceoption
• Menstrual issues

What happens when patient's thyroid levels are not under control or they are Hypothyroid during pregnancy?

In this case, th baby at its very early stage are exposed to the level of hypothyroidism. There are chances of abortion. In case the pregnancy continues, the baby may develop many complications like, at birth, this baby might be having growth issues i.e, growth retardation.

• This baby may have jaundice.
• This baby may develop short stretcher
• Poor growth
• Cardiac issues

The very important part here is that mental development of the baby gets affacted by thyroid level. It has been seen when the baby is exposed to low secretion thyroid level in the early months, they develop mental retardation or low IQ.

I dont think that any of the mother would liek to have this kind of baby, that too because of the small thing which she could have checked and be treated and could easily escape from such a complications. Now, they are certain problems which can go really wrong with the mother also if she has hypothyroidism and the levels are not under control. LIke the blood pressure, she may get into preeclampsia. The mother who is suffering from Hypothyroidism are at risk of developing some kind of cardiac problems.

So, friends the important point here is to check thyroid level in your early month of pregnancy. There are levels which are T3, T4 and TSH. Check thema nd if they are shwoing any kind of abnormality, the tablet is started immediately. It is a very small tablet can be taken anytime empty stomach. Throughout the pregnnacy, every 4-6 weeks we have to keep checking thyroid levels and according to pregnancy month, the levels of thyroid are different for the three trimesters.

We have to keep the levels in that particular level. So the dose adjustment and regular checkup are really important. THis can control teh complications and can save the baby and the mother.

If you need any other information, you can contact me through Lybrate.

Thank you.