Pregnancy and Hyperthyroidism: Essential Information
In pregnancy, a normally functioning thyroid gland is essential for the healthy development of the fetus. However, complications can arise when a pregnant person develops hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism can cause a range of issues for both the pregnant person and the fetus. These complications may include gestational hypertension, preterm labor, increased risk of pregnancy loss, placental abruption, preeclampsia, low birth weight, prematurity, tachycardia, goiter, neurodevelopmental abnormalities, fetal hydrops, early bone maturation, cardiac failure, intrauterine growth restriction, and other related problems.
The primary cause of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. In most cases, a doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible since the medication can affect the fetus' thyroid hormone production. The standard treatment for hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is propylthiouracil, with methimazole used less frequently due to a higher risk of congenital abnormalities.
It's crucial for anyone experiencing symptoms of a thyroid issue during pregnancy, such as increased heart rate, sweating, issues with heat, tiredness, shaky hands, irregular heartbeat, unusual weight loss, or inability to gain pregnancy weight, to contact a doctor. Similarly, a person with hypothyroidism who takes an at-home pregnancy test and receives positive results should follow up with a doctor.
Due to risks to the developing fetus, doctors advise against taking radioactive iodine during pregnancy. A person should also contact a doctor if they develop any of the following symptoms for the first time after taking any medications for hyperthyroidism: itching skin or rash, increased tiredness or weakness, loss of appetite, easy bruising.
Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in helping the fetus' brain development during pregnancy. Therefore, early diagnosis, close monitoring, and appropriate treatment of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy are essential to reduce the risks associated with this condition.
Key maternal complications are: - Miscarriage - Preterm delivery - Preeclampsia (high blood pressure with organ dysfunction) - Cardiac failure
Key fetal/neonatal complications include: - Intrauterine growth restriction (poor fetal growth) - Premature birth - Neonatal hyperthyroidism related to transplacental antibody transfer
After delivery, a person may develop symptoms of Graves' disease for the first time, causing hyperthyroidism. It's essential to maintain regular communication with a healthcare provider to manage this condition effectively.
[1] Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532850/ [3] Graves' Disease and Pregnancy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548962/
- The science behind hyperthyroidism in pregnancy reveals that it can cause a range of issues for both the pregnant person and the fetus, potentially leading to key maternal complications such as miscarriage, preterm delivery, preeclampsia, and cardiac failure.
- Key fetal and neonatal complications associated with hyperthyroidism include intrauterine growth restriction, premature birth, and neonatal hyperthyroidism related to transplacental antibody transfer.
- In the realm of medical-conditions, hyperthyroidism can be critical to monitor during pregnancy, with early diagnosis and close monitoring essential to reduce associated risks.
- For pregnant individuals with symptoms of thyroid issues like increased heart rate, sweating, or unusual weight loss, it's vital to seek medical-advice promptly to ensure the health-and-wellness of both the person and the developing fetus.
- The mental-health implications of living with a chronic disease like hyperthyroidism shouldn't be underestimated. Seeking information and support from reputable sources like women's-health and mens-health forums, and skincare communities can provide invaluable emotional support during this challenging time.
