If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you may want to get some more information regarding your thyroid’s capabilities. Unfortunately, testing for an underactive thyroid is not a normal procedure that most women undergo. Many women are unaware of the effects of an overactive or underactive thyroid on fertility and pregnancy. There are some important things to know about thyroid health, fertility, and pregnancy.
Hyperthyroidism and Pregnancy
Pre-Pregnancy
If you have hyperthyroidism, you may notice that you have lighter and irregular periods and find it hard to conceive. If you haven’t been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, consider having a blood test done to check.
Hyperthyroidism During Pregnancy
If you have diagnosed hyperthyroidism and are pregnant, you need to continue taking your thyroid medication. Since these drugs are able to cross the placenta, you need to be on a low dose. Consult with your healthcare provider.
If you have not been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, you should have your thyroid function checked, as untreated hyperthyroidism can cause miscarriage. It can also lead to increased blood pressure while pregnant.
Post-Pregnancy
The risk of relapsing from hyperthyroidism is very high in the first year following pregnancy. Have a blood test done at three months and six months postpartum.
Thyroid medications can also cross into breast milk, so consult with your doctor if you are breastfeeding and on hyperthyroid medication.
Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy
Pre-Pregnancy
You may notice you have heavy, irregular periods and difficulty trying to conceive. Longer, heavier periods can cause anaemia and other iron-deficiency related illnesses.
Arrange to have a blood test if you are undiagnosed and suspect an issue with your thyroid function.
Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy
Following diagnosis, it’s likely that you will need higher doses of thyroid medications, such as Eltroxin, during pregnancy in order to provide the baby with enough thyroid hormone.
Regular blood tests throughout the course of pregnancy are recommended to keep thyroid functioning at optimal levels.
If you have anemia and take iron supplements, you should take these before your thyroid medication, as it can affect absorption.
Post-Pregnancy
Your doctor will likely recommend that you take the original dose of thyroid medication that you took before becoming pregnant. Continue to have blood work done to test for thyroid issues as soon as a few weeks postpartum.
Your newborn baby will probably receive a heel-prick to have a blood test done confirming thyroid function in order to be medicated as soon as possible if issues arise.
Post-Pregnancy Thyroiditis
In some cases, postpartum women develop a condition known as postpartum thyroiditis, which is an inflammatory thyroid disorder. This condition is usually temporary, but requires treatment. The condition generally appears within the first year following birth, usually between 6 and 12 months postpartum.
It generally begins exhibiting symptoms of hyperthyroidism, then evolves into hypothyroidism.
The most important thing is to have your thyroid function continually monitored if you had issues prior to becoming pregnant. If your periods are irregular and either heavy or light, you should have your thyroid checked if you’re trying to become pregnant.
Consult with your healthcare provider for more information and advice.