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Learning How To Treat Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy

When seeking treatment and a woman is pregnant they always have questions in mind. "Is this drug safe for me and my baby?" "How will this drug affect the fetus?" "Are there any option other than taking these drugs?" These questions will be answered in this article.

When hypothyroidism was discovered in the late 19th century after a patient had a thyroidectomy (partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland to cure hyperthyroidism), myxedema resulted. Myxedema is a condition caused by hypothyroidism resulting to the edmatous swelling of the face, limbs and hands, dry and rough skin, loss of hair, slow pulse and reduced metabolism.

Doctors discovered the relationship between thyroidectomy and myxedema and therefore gave the patient powdered extracts of animal thyroid glands. The use of hormone to treat hypothyroidism was successful. Over the years, discoveries to improve this thyroid hormone replacement therapy have been helping patients with hypothyroidism.

Treatments for hypothyroidism during pregnancy

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is the treatment of choice for pregnant mothers with hypothyroidism. The goal of this therapy is to provide hormone when the body is not able to produce it. A synthetic thyroid hormone is given to the mother.

This drug is a synthetic derivative of thyroxine and normalizes thyroid hormone levels. The dosage depends on the individuals’ need for thyroid hormone. The treatment is safe to the mother. The synthetic hormone does not cross the placenta and is therefore safe for the fetus.

Women who are diagnosed with hypothyroidism and are already taking the drug before pregnancy might as well increase their dosage of synthetic thyroid hormone when they become pregnant. Constant monitoring of the thyroxine levels every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended to monitor if doses should be increased or decreased. The dose is set to maintain the normal levels of thyroid hormone in the mother’s body.

Consequences of untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy

Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to severe consequences not only for the baby but also for the mother itself. Listed below are the effects of untreated hypothyroidism. It is a must to continue reading this article in order to avoid this could-be avoided effects of untreated hypothyroidism.

·         Preeclampsia. This condition occurs in late pregnancy characterized by proteinuria, hypertension and edema. This condition places the mother in labor and delivery at risk.

·         Anemia. This is a condition wherein there is a deficiency in the quality and quantity of the red blood cells reducing the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood thus resulting in easy fatigability, restlessness and pallor.

·         Cognitive and Developmental Delays of baby. Thyroid hormones play an important role in the brain’s development. Deficiency to this due to hypothyroidism can lead to lower IQ levels and impaired psychomotor development.

·         Other consequences.  Miscarriage is legally viable usually before the 24th week of pregnancy.  Low birth weight and still birth may also be a consequence of non-treatment of hypothyroidism.

Now that you have read these consequences, you are now aware that hypothyroidism is a serious matter more so if it occurs during pregnancy. By knowing these facts you are encouraged to spread the word and help those who are unaware of the drastic consequences of hypothyroidism.

Tags: hypothyroidism during pregnanc, myxedema, thyroid hormone replacement, thyroidectomy, treatments

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