Thyroid & Pregnancy

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• Thyroid conditions can be easily managed in
  day-to-day life with the right medications and
  hormone therapy. However, the risks of low or
  high thyroid hormone levels become much more
  apparent during pregnancy.
• The thyroid is an organ located in the front of
  the neck that releases hormones to regulate the
  metabolism (the way the body uses energy), heart
  and nervous system, weight, body temperature, and
  many other processes in the body. The thyroid
  diseases like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
  are relatively common in pregnancy and important
  to treat.
• During pregnancy, if one has pre-existing
  hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, they may
  require more medical attention to control these
  conditions, especially in the first trimester.
  Occasionally, pregnancy may cause symptoms
  similar to hyperthyroidism in the first
  trimester. If one experiences palpitations,
  weight loss, and persistent vomiting, one should
  contact their doctor immediately.

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• Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
  during Pregnancy
• Hyperthyroidism Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may
  mimic those of normal pregnancy, such as an
  increased heart rate, sensitivity to hot
  temperatures, fatigue, nervousness, severe nausea
  or vomiting, slight tremor, trouble sleeping, and
  weight loss or low weight gain for a typical
  pregnancy.
• Hypothyroidism Symptoms of hypothyroidism, such
  as extreme tiredness and weight gain, may easily
  be confused with normal symptoms of pregnancy.
  Other symptoms include constipation, difficulty
  in concentrating or memory problems, sensitivity
  to cold temperatures, and muscle cramps.

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• Causes of Thyroid Disease during Pregnancy
• The most common cause of maternal hyperthyroidism
  during pregnancy is the autoimmune disorder
  Graves disease. In this disorder, the body makes
  an antibody (a protein produced by the body when
  it thinks a virus or bacteria has invaded) called
  thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) that
  causes the thyroid to make too much thyroid
  hormone.
• The most common cause of hypothyroidism is the
  autoimmune disorder known as Hashimotos
  thyroiditis. In this condition, the body
  mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland cells,
  leaving the thyroid without enough cells and
  enzymes to make enough thyroid hormone.

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• Risks of Thyroid during Pregnancy
• Thyroid hormone is critical for the normal
  development of the babys brain and nervous
  system. The thyroid enlarges slightly in healthy
  women during pregnancy, but not enough to be
  detected by a physical exam. Untreated thyroid
  diseases during pregnancy may lead to premature
  birth, preeclampsia (a severe increase in blood
  pressure), miscarriage, and low birth weight
  among other problems.
• Diagnosis and Test of Thyroid Disease during
  Pregnancy
• Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism during
  pregnancy are diagnosed based on symptoms,
  physical examination, and blood tests to measure
  levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. It is
  important for all wouldbe mothers to undergo a
  thyroid test to avoid the risk during pregnancy.

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Thank you..