Are you expecting or might you be planning to become pregnant in the near future? If so, there are many issues to address. One of these involves the role that your thyroid gland plays. Let us take a look at possible changes that might occur during pregnancy as well as some potential complications that may occur.

How is Your Thyroid Health Related to Pregnancy?

The thyroid plays an important role in regard to the development of the brain and nervous system of unborn children. This is particularly relevant during the first 36 weeks, as babies will rely upon thyroid hormones that are provided via the placenta. Infants will normally begin producing their own thyroid hormone after this period of time.

Having said this, there are two additional chemicals which can impact thyroid function during pregnancy. These are estrogen and a chemical known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Let’s take a look at two possible scenarios in the next section.

Hyperthyroidism Versus Hypothyroidism

While most women will remain perfectly healthy during their pregnancy, there can be times when two specific conditions are detected:

• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include tiredness, muscle cramps, constipation, and memory issues. The good news is that medications such as Armour Thyroid at Internationalpharmacy.com can sometimes be used to replace these hormones.

Hyperthyroidism is instead associated with an overactive thyroid gland. This is often caused by a condition known as Grave’s Disease. Some common symptoms include heart palpitations, severe morning sickness, unexplained weight loss, and irritability.

In either of these cases, it is important to speak with a physician if you suspect that a problem is present or you are concerned about your thyroid health. They will quickly diagnose the issue and provide targeted treatment options.

Might You be at Risk of Developing Thyroid Problems During Pregnancy?

A handful of factors may increase the chances that an issue will be detected. These include:

• Those who have been diagnosed with a goitre.
• Anyone who is already receiving treatment for a thyroid disorder.
• Families with a history of autoimmune disease (such as Grave’s or Hashimoto’s disease).
• Anyone with type 1 diabetes.

However, there can still be times when women who have been diagnosed with these conditions will not experience any issues during their pregnancy.

What are the Dangers if a Thyroid Condition is Left Untreated?

There are several risk factors related to a child if the proper steps are not taken. These include premature births and low birth weights (for hyperthyroidism) as well as preeclampsia and miscarriages (in terms of hypothyroidism).

You can now see why it is crucial to speak with your family doctor in order to ensure that your thyroid is functioning as it should. Thanks to modern technology and incredible advancements in the medical field, the chances are high that you will be just fine!