Thyroid & pregnancy: what to look out for?

My article in frezyland.gr The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck that produces thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones control the way our body uses energy, so they affect the way almost every organ works – even the way our heart beats.

What is thyroid disease?

Thyroid disease is a group of disorders that affect the thyroid gland. More specifically, sometimes the thyroid can produce too much or too little of the thyroid hormones. In the first case we have hyperthyroidism which causes an acceleration of many of the body’s functions (typical symptoms are rapid heartbeat, unexplained weight loss, insomnia, etc.) In the second case, we are talking about hypothyroidism, which is associated with a slowing down of many of the body’s functions (the patient usually complains of fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, problems with memory or concentration). We should note, however, that there are cases where the patient may have a thyroid hormone disorder without symptoms. The most common thyroid disorder during pregnancy is hypothyroidism and affects 3-4% of pregnant women. Thyroid problems are usually treated with medication.

Maybe it’s my thyroid disease that’s keeping me from getting pregnant?

Several studies show that undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction can make it difficult for a woman to achieve conception and pregnancy. However, the good news is that when hyper- or hypo-thyroidism is under control and hormones are within normal limits, there is no reason why the expectant mother should be concerned.

Thyroid disorders in pregnancy

The thyroid enlarges slightly in healthy women during pregnancy. Two hormones associated with pregnancy – human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen – cause higher (than normal) thyroid hormone levels, which can make diagnosing thyroid problems more difficult or cause a disruption in the thyroid hormone levels of people with an existing thyroid problem. For this reason, if a woman already has thyroid problems, she should have regular blood tests to check for proper gland function during pregnancy. Proper thyroid regulation prevents complications associated with hypo- or hyper-thyroidism, such as miscarriages, premature delivery, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia (increased pressure during pregnancy), etc.

What is the role of the thyroid in pregnancy for the development of the fetus?

Thyroid hormones are vital for the normal development of the brain and nervous system of the fetus. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus depends solely on the supply of these hormones from the mother through the placenta, while after the first trimester the baby’s thyroid begins to function on its own. Therefore, the sufficiency of thyroid hormones in both mother and fetus is essential and protects the newborn. In conclusion, the thyroid produces hormones that help our body to function. If it produces too few or too many of the thyroid hormones and there is no corresponding treatment, it can prevent a woman from becoming pregnant, as well as contribute to serious problems during pregnancy. Accurate diagnosis and treatment is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

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