Your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck, is important for regulating your metabolism, the rate at which your body uses energy. Underactive thyroid and pregnancy. If it is malfunctioning, the result may be a condition called hypothyroidism, caused by under activity of the gland, or hyperthyroidism, caused by over activity.
Fortunately, few pregnant women suffer from either form of thyroid imbalance: About 6 out of 1000 pregnant women develop hyperthyroidism, and about 2 out of 1000 have hypothyroidism. Usually, you are likely to have a healthy pregnancy. Still, all pregnant women should know the symptoms, since a thyroid disorder can dramatically affect a pregnancy. Here's what you should know about thyroid and pregnancy.
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism has received some press attention lately. A study published in the United States in 1999, found that women who had under active thyroid glands during pregnancy were four times as likely as women with normal thyroids to have children with low IQ stores – cxompared to a healthy pregnancy. This finding is important, for doctors can treat hypothyroid problems if they are diagnosed early.
Your doctor can determine your thyroid function with a simple blood test. She probably won't test you, however, unless you're experiencing symptoms of an imbalance as thyroid and pregnancy are strongly related. Let her know if you have any of these signs:
Fatigue Unexpected amount of weight gain Dry skin Cold intolerance Muscle weakness
Of course, some of these symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy, which is why a thyroid condition is not always recognised, but you have nothing to lose by having a test. Since underactive thyroid and pregnancy pose a risk when combined, if the test comes back showing a low level of thyroid hormone, your provider will give you hormone supplements in a pill form. She'll continue to test you throughout your pregnancy and afterward, to determine how long you'll need to take the supplements and to ensure possibly healthy pregnancy.
Thyroid and pregnancy can also result in an opposite outcome. An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can also cause problems during pregnancy: Pregnant women with this condition have a greater chance of giving birth to a low-birth-weight baby. They also have a greater risk of other problems, such as pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia, also known as toxemia, is a disease of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure, sudden weight gain, and retention of large amounts of fluid.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:
Heat intolerance Warm skin Sweating Trembling Weight loss Rapid pulse
Your doctor can diagnose hyperthyroidism with a blood test and prescribe medication to correct the problem. As you can see, both overactive and underactive thyroid and pregnancy can be troublesome for the mother and the baby as well. Both types of thyroid problems may also occur following a pregnancy, so if you develop the symptoms of either condition after giving birth, contact your doctor.
Your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck, is important for regulating your metabolism, the rate at which your body uses energy. Underactive thyroid and pregnancy. If it is malfunctioning, the result may be a condition called hypothyroidism, caused by under activity of the gland, or hyperthyroidism, caused by over activity.
Fortunately, few pregnant women suffer from either form of thyroid imbalance: About 6 out of 1000 pregnant women develop hyperthyroidism, and about 2 out of 1000 have hypothyroidism. Usually, you are likely to have a healthy pregnancy. Still, all pregnant women should know the symptoms, since a thyroid disorder can dramatically affect a pregnancy. Here's what you should know about thyroid and pregnancy.
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism has received some press attention lately. A study published in the United States in 1999, found that women who had under active thyroid glands during pregnancy were four times as likely as women with normal thyroids to have children with low IQ stores – cxompared to a healthy pregnancy. This finding is important, for doctors can treat hypothyroid problems if they are diagnosed early.
Your doctor can determine your thyroid function with a simple blood test. She probably won't test you, however, unless you're experiencing symptoms of an imbalance as thyroid and pregnancy are strongly related. Let her know if you have any of these signs:
Fatigue Unexpected amount of weight gain Dry skin Cold intolerance Muscle weaknessOf course, some of these symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy, which is why a thyroid condition is not always recognised, but you have nothing to lose by having a test. Since underactive thyroid and pregnancy pose a risk when combined, if the test comes back showing a low level of thyroid hormone, your provider will give you hormone supplements in a pill form. She'll continue to test you throughout your pregnancy and afterward, to determine how long you'll need to take the supplements and to ensure possibly healthy pregnancy.
Thyroid and pregnancy can also result in an opposite outcome. An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can also cause problems during pregnancy: Pregnant women with this condition have a greater chance of giving birth to a low-birth-weight baby. They also have a greater risk of other problems, such as pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia, also known as toxemia, is a disease of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure, sudden weight gain, and retention of large amounts of fluid.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:
Heat intolerance Warm skin Sweating Trembling Weight loss Rapid pulse Your doctor can diagnose hyperthyroidism with a blood test and prescribe medication to correct the problem. As you can see, both overactive and underactive thyroid and pregnancy can be troublesome for the mother and the baby as well. Both types of thyroid problems may also occur following a pregnancy, so if you develop the symptoms of either condition after giving birth, contact your doctor.
Your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck, is important for regulating your metabolism, the rate at which your body uses energy. Underactive thyroid and pregnancy. If it is malfunctioning, the result may be a condition called hypothyroidism, caused by under activity of the gland, or hyperthyroidism, caused by over activity.
Fortunately, few pregnant women suffer from either form of thyroid imbalance: About 6 out of 1000 pregnant women develop hyperthyroidism, and about 2 out of 1000 have hypothyroidism. Usually, you are likely to have a healthy pregnancy. Still, all pregnant women should know the symptoms, since a thyroid disorder can dramatically affect a pregnancy. Here's what you should know about thyroid and pregnancy.
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism has received some press attention lately. A study published in the United States in 1999, found that women who had under active thyroid glands during pregnancy were four times as likely as women with normal thyroids to have children with low IQ stores – cxompared to a healthy pregnancy. This finding is important, for doctors can treat hypothyroid problems if they are diagnosed early.
Your doctor can determine your thyroid function with a simple blood test. She probably won't test you, however, unless you're experiencing symptoms of an imbalance as thyroid and pregnancy are strongly related. Let her know if you have any of these signs:
Fatigue Unexpected amount of weight gain Dry skin Cold intolerance Muscle weaknessOf course, some of these symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy, which is why a thyroid condition is not always recognised, but you have nothing to lose by having a test. Since underactive thyroid and pregnancy pose a risk when combined, if the test comes back showing a low level of thyroid hormone, your provider will give you hormone supplements in a pill form. She'll continue to test you throughout your pregnancy and afterward, to determine how long you'll need to take the supplements and to ensure possibly healthy pregnancy.
Thyroid and pregnancy can also result in an opposite outcome. An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can also cause problems during pregnancy: Pregnant women with this condition have a greater chance of giving birth to a low-birth-weight baby. They also have a greater risk of other problems, such as pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia, also known as toxemia, is a disease of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure, sudden weight gain, and retention of large amounts of fluid.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:
Heat intolerance Warm skin Sweating Trembling Weight loss Rapid pulse Your doctor can diagnose hyperthyroidism with a blood test and prescribe medication to correct the problem. As you can see, both overactive and underactive thyroid and pregnancy can be troublesome for the mother and the baby as well. Both types of thyroid problems may also occur following a pregnancy, so if you develop the symptoms of either condition after giving birth, contact your doctor.
Your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck, is important for regulating your metabolism, the rate at which your body uses energy. Underactive thyroid and pregnancy. If it is malfunctioning, the result may be a condition called hypothyroidism, caused by under activity of the gland, or hyperthyroidism, caused by over activity.
Fortunately, few pregnant women suffer from either form of thyroid imbalance: About 6 out of 1000 pregnant women develop hyperthyroidism, and about 2 out of 1000 have hypothyroidism. Usually, you are likely to have a healthy pregnancy. Still, all pregnant women should know the symptoms, since a thyroid disorder can dramatically affect a pregnancy. Here's what you should know about thyroid and pregnancy.
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism has received some press attention lately. A study published in the United States in 1999, found that women who had under active thyroid glands during pregnancy were four times as likely as women with normal thyroids to have children with low IQ stores – cxompared to a healthy pregnancy. This finding is important, for doctors can treat hypothyroid problems if they are diagnosed early.
Your doctor can determine your thyroid function with a simple blood test. She probably won't test you, however, unless you're experiencing symptoms of an imbalance as thyroid and pregnancy are strongly related. Let her know if you have any of these signs:
Fatigue Unexpected amount of weight gain Dry skin Cold intolerance Muscle weaknessOf course, some of these symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy, which is why a thyroid condition is not always recognised, but you have nothing to lose by having a test. Since underactive thyroid and pregnancy pose a risk when combined, if the test comes back showing a low level of thyroid hormone, your provider will give you hormone supplements in a pill form. She'll continue to test you throughout your pregnancy and afterward, to determine how long you'll need to take the supplements and to ensure possibly healthy pregnancy.
Thyroid and pregnancy can also result in an opposite outcome. An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can also cause problems during pregnancy: Pregnant women with this condition have a greater chance of giving birth to a low-birth-weight baby. They also have a greater risk of other problems, such as pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia, also known as toxemia, is a disease of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure, sudden weight gain, and retention of large amounts of fluid.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:
Heat intolerance Warm skin Sweating Trembling Weight loss Rapid pulse Your doctor can diagnose hyperthyroidism with a blood test and prescribe medication to correct the problem. As you can see, both overactive and underactive thyroid and pregnancy can be troublesome for the mother and the baby as well. Both types of thyroid problems may also occur following a pregnancy, so if you develop the symptoms of either condition after giving birth, contact your doctor.
