Thyroid Effects on Pregnancy

The thyroid regulates hormones, which are an important aspect to a healthy pregnancy. Those who have an overactive or an underactive thyroid and are pregnant should be closely monitored by their physician. Thyroid hormones affect many functions in the body including metabolism, breathing, the nervous system, body temperature, skin problems and bone strength.

Hormones during Pregnancy

• In utero, the baby is affected by two sources of hormones, including its own and that of its mother. In the first trimester, the baby depends on the mother for hormones, which are provided via the placenta. At the end of the first trimester, the baby's thyroid starts to function independently, but still receives the mother's hormones via the placenta. Iodine is used by the body to produce thyroid hormones. The baby gets his iodine through the diet of the mother. It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of hormones to have a safe and healthy pregnancy for both mom and baby. The neonatal brain development is greatly affected by thyroid problems in the mother.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

• Women with hypothyroidism---an underactive thyroid---often suffer from fatigue, lack of attention span and weight gain, which are common problems during pregnancy. Hypothyroidism may be overlooked by a physician. Some women have symptoms that develop gradually, but may develop more symptoms during pregnancy.

Untreated Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy

• Hypothyroidism is risky to a pregnancy. If a woman is not treated properly during pregnancy, her underactive thyroid can increase the possibility of a stillbirth, developmental problems for the baby and increases chances of complications such as low iron levels and dangerously high blood pressure levels. Hormones are necessary for the development of the brain and a lack of hormone levels can lead to cognitive and developmental disabilities. Thyroid functions should be evaluated every six weeks during pregnancy to make sure that hormones are at safe levels for mom and baby. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, six out of 100 miscarriages are a result of hormone deficiencies and 1 out of 50 pregnant women are diagnosed with a form of hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

• Those with hyperthyroidism---an overactive thyroid---often feel nervous, moody and fatigued. There are weight fluctuations, problems with hair falling out, changes in bowel movements and hand tremors. Many problems can develop if hyperthyroidism goes unchecked, including losing weight because of an increase in metabolism, having heart problems and the onset of osteoporosis. It can also develop into a thyroid storm, where thyroid hormones are released in excessive amounts, causing severe symptoms. This is a life threatening issue for anyone with hyperthyroidism.

Untreated Hyperthyroidism During Pregnancy

• If a woman with an overactive thyroid is not properly treated and monitored during pregnancy, there are numerous side effects for both mother and child. The thyroid hormone that a mother produces passes through the placenta and enters the baby's bloodstream. When a mom is treated appropriately, the baby is less likely to get be affected by the high levels of hormones. An uncontrolled thyroid can lead to congestive heart failure, rise in blood pressure, thyroid storm, miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight. If a doctor suspects that a pregnant woman is hyperthyroid, the doctor will begin with lab work to assess the hormone levels and re-evaluate levels frequently in order to avoid complications.