Learn why thyroid health is important during pregnancy, how low or high thyroid levels can affect mom and baby, and how doctors monitor and treat thyroid conditions before, during, and after pregnancy.
Thyroid health is especially important during pregnancy.
Even mild thyroid problems can affect:
The mother
The baby
The pregnancy itself
This page explains what you need to know in simple, clear terms.
During pregnancy:
β‘ The baby depends on the motherβs thyroid hormones, especially early on.
Thyroid hormones help with:
Babyβs brain development
Nervous system growth
Healthy pregnancy progress
Thatβs why doctors pay close attention to thyroid levels in pregnancy.
Pregnancy naturally changes thyroid function.
Hormone needs increase
The thyroid works harder
TSH levels may shift
Blood test ranges are slightly different
So βnormalβ thyroid numbers in pregnancy are not exactly the same as outside pregnancy.
Low thyroid during pregnancy is important to treat.
Untreated hypothyroidism can increase risk of:
Miscarriage
Preterm birth
High blood pressure in pregnancy
Developmental problems for the baby
Low birth weight
The treatment is:
β‘ Levothyroxine
This medication is:
Safe in pregnancy
Necessary for a healthy pregnancy
Often needs a higher dose than before pregnancy
Many women with hypothyroidism need:
Higher thyroid medication doses during pregnancy
More frequent blood tests
Dose changes as pregnancy progresses
After delivery, the dose usually goes back down.
Overactive thyroid can also affect pregnancy.
Hyperthyroidism can increase risk of:
Preterm delivery
Low birth weight
Preeclampsia
Heart problems for mom
Pregnancy complications
Treatment may include:
Careful use of anti-thyroid medications
Close monitoring
Beta blockers if needed
Doctors choose medicines that are safest for the baby.
After delivery, some women develop:
β‘ Postpartum thyroiditis
This can cause:
Temporary hyperthyroidism
Followed by hypothyroidism
Mood changes
Fatigue
It is often mistaken for βnew mom stress,β but it is a real thyroid condition.
Most thyroid medications are:
Safe while breastfeeding
Compatible with nursing
Important to continue if prescribed
Always talk with your doctor, but treatment usually continues normally.
In the United States:
All newborns are screened for thyroid problems at birth
This helps catch rare congenital thyroid issues early
If you already have a thyroid condition and want to become pregnant:
Itβs best to:
Check thyroid levels before trying
Make sure TSH is in a good range
Talk with your doctor ahead of time
Good planning leads to healthier pregnancies.
During pregnancy, thyroid care usually includes:
Blood tests every 4β6 weeks
Medication adjustments
Close monitoring by your doctor
Follow-up after delivery
Most women with thyroid problems have healthy pregnancies with proper care.
Thyroid health is very important in pregnancy
Both low and high thyroid need treatment
Levothyroxine is safe and often necessary
Levels need closer monitoring
With good care, outcomes are usually excellent
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