Thyroid and Pregnancy

The thyroid disease are relatively common in pregnancy and important to treat. The thyroid is an organ located in the front of neck that releases hormones that regulate metabolism, heart and nervous system, weight, body temperature, and many other processes in the body. If you have pre-existing hyperthyroidism you may require more medical attention to control these conditions during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. If thyroid diseases left untreated then it may lead to premature birth, preeclampsia, miscarriage, and low birth weight.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

• Irregular heartbeat
• Nervousness
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Slight tremor
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight loss

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

• Constipation
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Sensitivity to cold temperatures
• Muscle cramps

 Causes

The most common cause is the autoimmune disorder Grave’s disease. In this disorder, the body makes an antibody called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin that causes the thyroid to make too much thyroid hormone. Another cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in this condition the body mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland cells, leaving the thyroid without enough cells and enzymes to make enough thyroid hormone.

Diagnosis

Thyroid is diagnosed on based of symptoms, physical exam, and blood tests to measure levels of TSH, T4, and T3.

Treatment

There are medication to treat hyperthyroidism that interferes with the production of thyroid hormones is used. To treat Hypothyroidism levothyroxine hormone is used, which is similar to the hormone T4 made by the thyroid.