Thyroid Problems and Pregnancy
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Description
The thyroid is a gland located in the neck. The thyroid gland produces
hormones which help to control temperature, growth, behavior, blood pressure
and heart rate. The thyroid gland can become too active ( hyperthyroidism )
or not active enough ( hypothyroidism ). Treatments
for problems with the thyroid include medication, surgery or radiation.
Thyroid Problems and Pregnancy
Pregnant women and their unborn children generally tolerate mild and
moderate thyroid disorders without significant health problems. Infertility
is common with severe thyroid disorders. Some treatments for thyroid disease
cannot be used in pregnancy because of risk of harm to the developing
foetus.
Inadequately controlled hypothyroidism in pregnant women is associated
with mental retardation and learning difficulties in children. Some forms
of hyperthyroidism put a foetus at risk of and being at risk for .
Treatment for hyperthyroidism needs to be monitored carefully to decrease
the risk of the .
Metabolism changes in pregnancy sometimes cause a need to change the
dose of thyroid medications. The blood tests used to evaluate thyroid
function normally change during a pregnancy and need special interpretations.
Some thyroid problems can get worse in the .
The information in this page is presented in summarised form and has been taken
from the following source(s):
1.
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine & Prenatal
Diagnosis:
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Introduction
