Pregnancy is one such stage in a woman’s life, where her body undergoes many physical changes. Even the hormones change. One such hormone is the thyroid, which plays an important role in pregnancy. Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating body temperature and boosting metabolism. Due to the changes in oestrogen and HCG fluctuation, the thyroid gland is affected and causes changes in hormone production.
The thyroid gland produces more hormones during pregnancy to meet the mother’s and the foetus’ needs. These hormones are vital for the brain and nerve development of the baby, especially during the first trimester. If the thyroid hormones are not produced sufficiently, it may cause problems for the developing baby. Hypothyroidism is one of the most common problems a mother may face during pregnancy when the gland does not make enough hormones. This can pose risks to the mother and the baby. It can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or developmental problems in the baby.
If your thyroid gland is not working properly, your body’s function will slow down. It may affect your thinking ability as well. Here are some symptoms you may notice if you have hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
- Dry skin
- A puffy face
- Depression
- Muscle cramps
- Pain in the joints
- Weight gain
- Feeling Constipated often
- Hair loss
So, how can a woman ensure a smooth pregnancy with thyroid?
Screening And Diagnosis
Hypothyroidism can be very tricky, especially during pregnancy. Hence, doctors carry out routine checks to ensure everything is okay. A simple blood test is done to check the thyroid levels. Keeping an eye on certain levels in the blood helps the doctors to watch out for problems early on and ensure a smoother pregnancy for the mother.
Thyroid Management and Medications
In case the doctor finds an abnormality in the thyroid levels, they may prescribe medicines to help in keeping the hormone balanced. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help the mother get the right dosage of the medicine throughout the pregnancy. This will ensure that the baby and the mother stay healthy.
