Pregnancy and Thyroid - Symptoms | Causes | Remedies
Even if you do not have any noticeable thyroid issues, it is
a good idea to get your thyroid hormone levels checked before you decide to
start a family.
Evaluation prior or during pregnancy
It is recommended by doctors now-a-days that all women should
get their levels of thyroid hormones evaluated, prior to or during
pregnancy.
Some women may require testing of their thyroid hormone
levels during pregnancy. Instances where you should get your thyroid hormone
levels regularly tested are when you have a history of thyroid issues or have
suspected thyroid issues in the past, or when hypothyroidism runs in your
family.
During
pregnancy, hypothyroidism can quickly become unregulated, even if it was under
control previously. For this reason, people with hypothyroidism should get
themselves periodically tested.
Risk factors
Women with hypothyroidism may be categorized as “high risk”
in some cases. Such women should avoid giving birth at home or in a birth
center. They are usually advised to consult an OB or a perinatologist during
the course of their pregnancy.
Breast milk production
Breast milk production is affected by abnormal levels of
thyroid hormones. Thus, women who have trouble producing enough breast milk
should get their thyroid hormone levels evaluated as well as get tested for
anemia. Of course, there are several causes of inadequate breast milk
production but thyroid hormone levels are often overlooked.
Since the levels of thyroid hormones can vacillate a lot
after giving birth, testing on repeated occasions may be required. Usually,
most women who have a medical history of thyroid problems do not face issues
with breastfeeding. However, they should be careful to look out for possible
problems with their thyroid.
Weight
Some women may gain excessive weight after childbirth despite
breast feeding the baby and consuming a balanced diet. These women may have
postpartum thyroid problems and should be tested.
Lastly, women who have faced issues with their thyroid during
the course of their pregnancy and afterwards should watch out for a recurrence
of similar conditions during perimenopause and menopause.
