Can Thyroid Problems Affect Pregnancy?

Yes, thyroid conditions, if not treated early, can affect the mother's and the fetus’s health. The thyroid makes a hormone that helps the body work. If it makes too little or too much of these hormones, you may have problems during pregnancy.</p>

Understand thyroid conditions and how they can affect your pregnancy in this guide. We will discuss the actions you can take during pregnancy if your thyroid is not doing well, so stay tuned till the end.

What Thyroid Conditions Can Affect Pregnancy?</b>
Thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism, underactive thyroid and hyperthyroidism, overactive thyroid can affect pregnancy, increasing the risk for complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and developmental issues in the baby.

Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, which cause these imbalances, also need careful management. Thyroid nodules can also cause issues if they lead to excess hormone production. Here are the most common thyroid conditions that you must know and how they can affect pregnancy:</p>

Hyperthyroidism
It can affect pregnancy by increasing the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and fetal hyperthyroidism. While mild hyperthyroidism can often be managed with monitoring, it is crucial for pregnant women to be treated to prevent serious complications for both mother and baby.</p>

Hypothyroidism
If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to serious maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy, including an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, preeclampsia, and low birth weight. It can also negatively impact fetal development, potentially causing developmental and cognitive impairments because thyroid hormones are crucial for brain development.

Graves’ Disease
It is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones.

The risk of miscarriage, preeclampsia, premature birth, low birth weight, and fetal hyperthyroidism can be present if you have Graves’ disease, leading to issues like poor fetal growth and a rapid heart rate. These risks are highest when the disease is poorly controlled, but proper medical management, which often involves frequent thyroid monitoring and medication adjustments, is crucial to minimise complications for both mother and baby.</p>

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
It is an autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and damage that can lead to an underactive thyroid.

It can increase risks for the mother and fetus, especially if the condition is not managed. Potential complications include miscarriage, premature birth, and preeclampsia. With close monitoring and management, women can typically have successful pregnancies.

Understand the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorder to avoid these risks during your pregnancy journey.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Disorder
It is essential to look for signs and symptoms when they have just started because then you can avoid further complications and get a thyroid specialist appointment. We will help with understanding some of the common signs and symptoms, so that you won’t get confused. Let us start.

Signs and Symptoms of:

Hypothyroidsm
Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and hair loss are some of the common signs of this disorder. Other symptoms can include constipation, joint and muscle pain, a puffy face, a hoarse voice, depression, and heavy or irregular menstrual periods. These symptoms often develop slowly and can be subtle at first.</p>

Hyperthyroidism
An increased heart rate, unintentional weight loss, nervousness or irritability, and increased sweating and heat intolerance can be counted as common signs and symptoms. Other symptoms can include tremors, trouble sleeping, fatigue, changes in menstrual patterns, and a goitre. Some people may also experience eye problems like bulging eyes or thinning skin and hair.

Graves’s Disease
Signs and symptoms of Graves' disease include hyperthyroidism symptoms like anxiety, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and heat sensitivity, as well as eye problems (Graves' ophthalmopathy), a goitre (enlarged thyroid), and skin changes (Graves' dermopathy).</p>

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
It often starts with no symptoms, but can lead to an enlarged, painless thyroid (goitre) and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and dry/thinning hair. Other signs include joint and muscle pain, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, and depression. Some people may experience initial symptoms of hyperthyroidism, like nervousness and heat intolerance.

Pregnant women need to pay special attention to the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders. It is essential for their fetus's health and their upcoming pregnancy journey. If you want a healthy pregnancy and baby growth, then look for a thyroid specialist in case you need one or your general practitioner recommends it after noticing certain symptoms.

Website: https://chermsidespecialists.com.au/services/thyroid-disorders/