Thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism occur frequently during pregnancy and should be treated. The thyroid is a gland in the front of your neck that produces hormones that regulate your metabolism (how your body burns energy), cardiovascular and nervous systems, weight, body temperature, and many other ****** functions.

Thyroid hormones are very important for the development of the fetal brain and nervous system during the first trimester of pregnancy because the baby is dependent on your hormones, which are delivered by the placenta. The fetal thyroid gland begins to produce thyroid hormones around the 12-week mark.

Estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are two pregnancy-related hormones that increase your thyroid levels. This makes it more difficult to diagnose thyroid disorders that arise during pregnancy. On the other hand, your doctor will be looking for symptoms that may indicate the need for further testing.

If you have pre-existing hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, you should expect additional medical care during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester to control these disorders. Pregnancy often mimics the symptoms of hyperthyroidism; If you have any uncomfortable or new symptoms such as palpitations, weight loss, or persistent vomiting, you should consult your doctor.

Risks of untreated thyroid problems during pregnancy include premature birth, preeclampsia (significant increase in blood pressure), miscarriage, and low birth weight. If you have a history of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, talk to your doctor so that you can be tested before and during your pregnancy and adjust your medication accordingly if necessary.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism during pregnancy

Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as high heart rate, sensitivity to hot temperatures, and fatigue can be mistaken for normal pregnancy symptoms. Other Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:

• Irregular heartbeat is a condition in which the heartbeat is irregular.
• Anxiety increased.
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Handshake (mild vibration)
• Trouble sleeping

Possible consequences of both weight loss during normal pregnancy or gaining less weight than expected.

Hypothyroidism

Symptoms of hypothyroidism such as extreme fatigue and weight gain can be easily confused with pregnancy signs. Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Constipation
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Cold Sensitivity is a condition in which a person is sensitive to cold temperatures.
• Muscle aches

Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy: What Causes It?

Graves 'disease - autoimmune condition Graves' disease is the most common cause of maternal hyperthyroidism during pregnancy. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) is an antibody (a protein produced by the body when it is believed to contain a virus or bacterium) that makes the thyroid overreact and in this condition, the thyroid hormone is overproduced.

Even if you have radioactive iodine therapy or surgery to remove your thyroid, your body can continue to produce TSI antibodies. If these levels are too high, TSI goes to the growing fetus through your bloodstream, causing its thyroid to produce more hormones than it needs. As long as your doctor monitors your thyroid levels, both you and your doctor will be safe.

Hypothyroidism is caused by the autoimmune condition Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The body mistakenly attacks the cells of the thyroid gland, leaving the thyroid gland without enough cells and enzymes to produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs.

Thyroid disease in pregnancy diagnosis

Thyroid hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in pregnancy are diagnosed based on symptoms, physical examination, and blood tests that detect thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones T4 and T3 in the case of hyperthyroidism.

Treatment of thyroid disease during pregnancy

Anti-thyroid drugs, which inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis, are used to treat hyperthyroidism in women. Propylathiorazole (PTU) is usually given in the first trimester, and methimazole can be taken after the first trimester if needed. Surgery to remove a portion of the thyroid is indicated in rare cases if women do not respond to these medications or experience adverse effects from treatment. During the first three months after delivery, hyperthyroidism worsens and your doctor may need to increase your medication dose.

Hypothyroidism is treated with levothyroxine, a synthetic (man-made) hormone similar to thyroid hormone T4. When you are diagnosed with pregnancy, your doctor will change your levothyroxine dose and you will have thyroid function tests every 4-6 weeks during pregnancy. If you have hypothyroidism and are taking levothyroxine, you should tell your doctor as soon as you expect so that your levothyroxine dose can be adjusted to replace the increased thyroid hormone replacement during pregnancy. Iron and calcium in the prenatal vitamins can inhibit the absorption of thyroid hormone in your body 3-4 hours after taking levothyroxine.