Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy – Stanford Children’s Health

 

Facts about pregnancy and hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism refers to a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive. It may happen during pregnancy. The symptoms can be similar to those of pregnancy. They can cause fatigue, weight gain, and changes in the menstrual cycle. Low thyroid hormone levels can cause difficulties in getting pregnant. Low thyroid hormone levels can also lead to miscarriage.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism can be a common condition. If symptoms are not severe, hypothyroidism can go undiagnosed. The symptoms may appear gradually and may be mild. The most common symptoms are:

  • Tired feeling
  • Inability to withstand cold temperatures
  • Hoarse voice
  • The swelling of the face
  • Weight loss
  • Constipation
  • Changes in skin and hair, including dry skin or loss of eyebrows
  • Brittle nails
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (hand tingling, pain)
  • Slow heart rate
  • Activity-related shortness of breath
  • Muscle cramps, weakness, and joint pain
  • Concentration problems
  • Periods of irregular menstruation

These symptoms could be similar to other health issues. Consult your healthcare practitioner for a diagnosis.

What does hypothyroidism do to the baby in the womb

The mother is the primary source of thyroid hormones for the baby during the first months of pregnancy. These hormones are essential for normal brain development and growth. The baby can suffer from hypothyroidism if the mother is not well.

How can thyroid function be tested?

Blood tests will be done to determine your levels of serum thyroid-stimulating hormonal (TSH) and thyroid hormone (Thyroxine or T4). Hypothyroidism may be diagnosed if your TSH is higher than normal or your T4 levels are lower than normal.

Who should have a thyroid function test?

It is not advised to regularly screen for hypothyroidism when pregnant. Hypothyroidism should not be diagnosed in a pregnant woman who has hypothyroidism symptoms, a history of the condition, or other conditions of the endocrine system.

What is the best way to treat hypothyroidism during pregnancy?

To treat the mother, thyroid hormone replacement is used. Thyroid hormone dosages are determined based on symptoms and the mother’s thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid hormone levels may change during pregnancy. Over time, the hormone replacement dose may change. 

In the first half, it is necessary to check thyroid hormone levels every four weeks. As long as the dose is not changed, the levels can be checked less frequently in the second half. Mother and child are both secure and in good health. Prenatal vitamins and thyroid hormones should not be taken together. The reason is that the minerals in vitamins can prevent the thyroid hormone from being absorbed. Every newborn is screened at birth for thyroid hormone levels.

Children’s Thyroid Center

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid gland is located in the neck and produces hormones that regulate almost all organs of the body.

What does the Children’s Thyroid Center (also known as the Children’s Thyroid Center) do?

Stanford’s Children’s Thyroid Center is one of the few Children’s Thyroid Centers nationwide. It focuses on treating children with thyroid problems, such as thyroid nodules or thyroid cancers. Children are the Children’s Thyroid Center’s main focus. Our doctors work together to diagnose, counsel, and treat children and teens up to the age of 18. Children are more than little adults. Thyroids of children have their unique genetics, treatment options, and conditions.

Why does my child require care at a “center”?

The American Thyroid Association published the first-ever guidelines in 2015 for the treatment of children with thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules. These guidelines require that these children be treated in centers for excellence by pediatric subspecialists who are dedicated to the treatment of children with thyroid disease. These conditions are essential to the development of children and require special pediatric care. Children’s Thyroid Center at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health provides expert, coordinated care.

Why should you choose us?

The Children’s Thyroid Center houses a multidisciplinary team of specialists who coordinate care and work closely with families to determine the best treatment plan. Our thyroid experts are at the forefront of research on thyroid disease in children. We also have state-of-the-art facilities to diagnose and treat a variety of thyroid conditions.

A second benefit is that the center is affiliated with Stanford Health Care, so your child will continue to receive care well into adulthood.

We also have child-focused resources, which is a hallmark at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. These resources include virtual reality technologies that reduce discomfort during procedures and Child Life specialists who help children cope positively with stress. Our private rooms are available for family-centered care if your child requires hospitalization.

Our surgeons also participate in the Thyroid Cancer Care Collaboration. This resource allows thyroid cancer patients to access their records from anywhere with an internet connection.

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