Thyroid During Pregnancy

It is an unknown fact that thyroid hormone is essential for the unhindered growth and development of a foetus’s brain and nervous system.  But its overproduction or low production becomes a concern during pregnancy. Both types of thyroid diseases— hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are relatively common affecting more than four percent of expectant women worldwide.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, a foetus gets the required amount of thyroid from its mother, but in the later stages of pregnancy, its body start producing this hormone on its own. To produce thyroid on its own, the baby in the womb starts absorbing iodine from its mother’s diet, therefore, a mom-to-be is advised to increase her daily iodine intake to 250mg per day.  Iodised salt and prenatal vitamin supplements are enough to provide the daily requirement of iodine during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, it’s normal for thyroid gland to enlarge a little; however, the increased size is usually not detectable. If the change in the size of thyroid gland is visible during pregnancy, the expectant mother is warned against the risk of onset of thyroid.

Types of Thyroid Problem in Pregnancy

* Hyperthyroidism: If the thyroid gland starts producing excess amount of thyroid during pregnancy, it results in a condition called hyperthyroidism. According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), if hyperthyroidism during pregnancy doesn’t get timely treatment or goes undiagnosed, it may lead to deformations in the baby, stillbirth and premature birth.

* Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when thyroid gland fails to produce the required amount of thyroid hormone during pregnancy. According to American Thyroid Association undiagnosed hypothyroidism or its delayed treatment in expecting women may lead to mental problems in the baby.
 
Causes of Hyperthyroidism during Pregnancy

Presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and increased level of estrogens during pregnancy contribute to the increased risk of hyperthyroidism in pregnant women. It’s because HCG, which has almost similar properties like TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), shoots up the production of thyroid in pregnancy thus causing thyroid problem.
 
Symptoms of Thyroid in Pregnancy

• Oversized thyroid gland, which is detectable in thyroid tests.
• Increased level of thyroid hormone in the blood.
• Irregular heartbeats.
• Increased muscle cramps.
• Increased appetite.
• Unwanted weight loss in hyperthyroidism.
• Unwanted weight gain in hypothyroidism.
• Poor concentration.
• Heart palpitations.
• Lethargy.
• Persistent feeling of morning sickness.
• Heat intolerance and sweating are other two symptoms of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, according to the National Women's Health Information Centre.