A pregnant woman should always look out for thyroid problem during pregnancy; at least 4 to 5 percent of women may suffer from thyroid disease during pregnancy. Many more go undiagnosed, as symptoms of thyroid disease are overlooked and considered as symptoms of pregnancy itself.
Thyroid Problems And Pregnancy
Many women become pregnant while suffering from thyroid problem, others develop it during pregnancy. In any case attention to treat it should be a priority, for the safety of mother as well as for her child.
Thyroid problem can be of two types; hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms Of Thyroid Problems In Pregnancy
Symptoms of hypothyroidism during pregnancy:
It occurs when the thyroid functions too low and there is low level of circulating thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are weight gain, aches and pain in the muscles and joints, breathlessness, palpitation, edema of feet and over the face which is non- pitting. Insomnia and constipation are often present with it. If a woman feels excessive weakness, and her weight gain is too rapid she should test for thyroid hormones.
Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism During Pregnancy
If the pregnant woman finds that she is immensely losing her weight during pregnancy with excessive sweating and palpitation and fine finger tremors, diarrhea, heat intolerance and breathlessness, she should examine her blood for circulating thyroid hormone level.
Effects Of Thyroid Disorder During Pregnancy
If the thyroid problem is not treated during pregnancy, a woman and child can suffer from various problems such as:
- Miscarriage.
- Stillbirths
- Hypertension.
- Eclampsia.
- Low birth weight baby
- Preterm labor.
- Birth defects.
If a pregnant woman is taking medicine for thyroid problems, she can have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby as a normal pregnant woman.
Simple blood test for detecting thyroid problem is measuring T3, T4, and TSH level in the blood.