Protect Your Baby And Care For Yourself: Pay Attention to Thyroid Health During Pregnancy
During pregnancy preparation and gestation, many people may not be aware of the impact of thyroid disease on the potential risks to the health of the mother and baby. It can affect the intelligence of the fetus and may lead to miscarriage in severe cases. Therefore, expectant mothers should pay attention to thyroid health before and during pregnancy. Timely testing, early detection, and treatment can ensure a healthy pregnancy and protect the baby’s health.
Pregnancy is a time filled with expectations for expectant parents. However, amidst the excitement of welcoming a new life, expectant mothers often overlook potential health risks, with stage 1 thyroid disease being one of them. Thyroid disease during pregnancy is a common endocrine issue in pregnant women. Dr. Carolina, Endocrinologist at Assunta Hospital points out that thyroid glandular diseases can generally be divided into two types: overactive thyroid (or “hyperthyroidism”) and underactive thyroid (or “hypothyroidism”). The prevalence of the latter is slightly higher than that of the former.
“The main cause of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is Grave’s disease, while hypothyroidism is usually caused by Hashimoto’s disease. Both are autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid gland.”
“Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include hand tremors, heart palpitations, weight loss, frequent morning sickness, and neck swelling. On the other hand, hypothyroidism is characterized by the thyroid gland producing too little thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like fatigue and muscle aches.”
Thyroid disease during pregnancy should not be underestimated, and Dr. Carolina urges pregnant women to seek medical attention immediately if they experience the above symptoms. She also notes that some pregnant women may experience “transient thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy” (gestational thyrotoxicosis), which is normal.
SYMPTOMS OF “TRANSIENT THYROTOXICOSIS OF PREGNANCY” AND HYPERTHYROIDISM
Similarly, the doctor will ask the patient some questions to distinguish between the two conditions. The symptoms of transient thyrotoxicosis are relatively mild and usually do not require medication; thyroid hormones will gradually return to normal. Failure to treat hyperthyroidism in time can pose potential risks to both mother and baby. Dr. Carolina reveals that untreated hyperthyroidism in expectant mothers may lead to premature birth, high blood pressure, and even seizures due to excessive hormones. In severe cases, it can result in a thyroid crisis, referred to as Thyroid Storm, with extremely high mortality rates and heart failure. Effects on the fetus include premature birth, growth restriction, and neonatal thyrotoxicosis.
“As for pregnant women suffering from hypothyroidism, if left untreated, it can also cause high blood pressure, premature birth, and complications such as bleeding during pregnancy, including heart failure in severe cases.”
Dr. Carolina emphasizes that research shows that thyroid hormones play a crucial role in the health of babies, especially in brain development. Insufficient thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy can affect the intellectual development of the fetus and lead to risks like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
THYROID HEALTH CHECK BEFORE PREGNANCY
Therefore, she urges women to recognize the importance of thyroid health and undergo timely examinations to protect the health of both mother and baby. Testing methods include blood tests to check thyroid and spontaneous immune system indices.
“If you have a family history of thyroid disease, have had thyroid diseases or other autoimmune diseases, or have undergone thyroid surgery, a thyroid test must be performed before pregnancy to ensure that thyroid hormones are at normal levels.”
Dr. Carolina points out that if a patient had a previous pregnancy with thyroid disease, there is a 50% chance of experiencing thyroid glandular disease in subsequent pregnancies.
BENEFITS OF DRUG TREATMENT OUTWEIGH POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Dr. Carolina reveals that advanced hyperthyroidism is treated with medication, such as Cabimazole, Methimazole, and Propylthiouracil. During the first three months of pregnancy, doctors typically prescribe Propylthiouracil due to its lower risk of birth defects. After this initial period, the doctor may switch to Methimazole for continued treatment. For hypothyroidism, treatment involves simple thyroid hormone supplementation to ensure hormone levels remain within the normal range. Dr. Carolina emphasizes that some pregnant women may worry about the effects of medication on the baby, but the benefits far outweigh potential side effects, and risks are rare. Therefore, she advises patients not to fear taking thyroid medication during pregnancy, follow the doctor’s instructions, and take the correct dosage to ensure the health of both the mother and baby.
Dr. Carolina also advises young women with Graves’ disease or those taking high-dose anti-thyroid drugs for more than 12 to 18 months to consider receiving radioactive iodine therapy or thyroidectomy treatment before pregnancy.
Regarding dietary recommendations, Dr. Carolina notes that while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends iodine supplements for pregnant women, patients with thyroid eye disease can consider selenium supplements. However, in the country, there is no specific recommendation for supplements during pregnancy. A normal healthy diet is sufficient for obtaining necessary nutritional supplements. Dr. Carolina also warns individuals with thyroid disease to undergo regular follow-up examinations, whether before, during, or after pregnancy, to ensure thyroid hormones remain within the normal range. For those without thyroid disease, seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms occur during pregnancy is crucial. The doctor will provide appropriate treatment based on the condition to ensure a healthy pregnancy journey.
For inquiries or appointments, contact Assunta Hospital at:
 03-78723000
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