Symptoms of Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy
- Hypothyroidism is considered to be a fairly common condition. If symptoms are mild, the condition may go unnoticed and undiagnosed. When an individual has an underactive thyroid, she produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. Sometimes, symptoms of hypothyroidism are mistaken for symptoms of depression. Individuals tend to experience symptoms differently, but some symptoms include hoarse voice, slowed speech, droopy eyelids, puffy and swollen face, weight gain, constipation, dry hair, dry skin, slowing pulse, carpal tunnel pain, muscle cramps, confusion and, in women, an increased menstrual flow.
- During the first few months of pregnancy, the fetus relies very heavily on the mother's thyroid hormones. Such hormones play an essential role in normal brain development. This type of hormone deficiency can have a negative effect on the fetus. The New England Journal of Medicine published findings from a study regarding children of mothers who had hypothyroidism. The findings showed that these infants had a lowered IQ, as well as impaired psychomotor development.
- Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine talks about infants born to mothers who have untreated hypothyroidism were more likely to suffer from mental defects. Testing before pregnancy is the most ideal, because if this is done, the woman is more likely to have balanced thyroid hormone levels throughout her pregnancy.
The screening involves a blood test, which measures the thyroid hormone, as well as the thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. If TSH levels are higher than normal, hypothyroidism may be to blame. - According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, all pregnant women should undergo thyroid screening. A women who is considering having a baby or becoming pregnant should have her thyroid screened in advance. Pregnant women who have a family history of who are experiencing symptoms of a thyroid disease, should also be tested.
- Once hypothyroidism has been diagnosed during a pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy will be considered. The dosage is usually based on the individual's levels of thyroid hormones. This treatment is safe for mother and child. Routine newborn screening will occur once the baby is born, which will help to test thyroid levels.