The Importance of Thyroid Hormones in Pregnancy

Thyroid hormones are critical for the normal development of a baby's brain and nervous system. A pregnant woman must maintain an accurate level of thyroid hormones, as it's essential for her health and the baby's proper growth and neurological development.

Two hormones, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen, play a significant role in increasing thyroid hormone levels in the blood during pregnancy. These hormones stimulate the thyroid gland, causing it to produce more thyroid hormones. In healthy women, the thyroid gland may slightly enlarge during pregnancy, but not usually enough for a doctor to notice during a physical exam.

Diagnosing thyroid problems during pregnancy can be challenging because higher levels of thyroid hormones and certain pregnancy symptoms can overlap with thyroid disorders. However, some signs of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism are more noticeable, which might lead your doctor to check for these conditions. 

The Importance of Thyroid Hormones in Early Pregnancy

Research shows that women who have hypothyroidism during pregnancy are at a high risk of giving birth to babies with low IQs and cognitive impairments. Some of its primary functions include:

• Fetal Brain Development—During the first trimester, the fetus depends on the mother for thyroid hormone, which is transported through the placenta.
• Cognitive Development—Thyroid hormones are essential for developing the baby's brain and nervous system. Deficiency of these hormones can cause irreversible damage and affect a baby's intelligence and cognitive abilities.
• Cellular function- Thyroid hormones regulate various cellular functions, including growth and development. Adequate levels are necessary for the baby to grow and develop healthily.
• Organ development- These hormones play a role in developing vital organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
• Maternal health- Regular thyroid hormone metabolism is crucial for maintaining energy levels and supporting the increased demands of pregnancy. 

What causes Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This excess hormone can speed up your body's metabolism, leading to various symptoms.

When the thyroid gland produces too much (excessive) or too little (deficient) thyroid hormone, it can lead to health problems. 

Many signs might look normal in Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy, like faster heartbeats, trouble dealing with heat, and tiredness. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of hormones. The other symptoms include- 

• Unexplained weight loss
• Shaky hands
• Fast and irregular heartbeats

Causes

Certain lifestyle factors, family history, consuming too much iodine and thyroiditis can cause Hyperthyroidism. The majority of hyperthyroidism cases during pregnancy (90 to 95%) are due to the autoimmune disorder. 

Risk of Untreated hyperthyroidism during pregnancy

Untreated hyperthyroidism can increase your risk during pregnancy. It can lead to 

congestive heart failure

• miscarriage
• low birth weight
• premature birth
• preeclampsia
• thyroid storm

What Causes Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy?

Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. This hormone helps regulate your metabolism, which is how your body uses energy. When your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough, your metabolism slows down.

Hypothyroidism is more common during pregnancy than hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy is most commonly caused by Hashimoto's disease, which affects about 2 to 3 out of every 100 pregnancies. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. This leads to inflammation and damage, reducing the thyroid's ability to produce hormones.

Other causes

• Iodine deficiency
• Congenital Hypothyroidism
• Certain medications

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy

The symptoms of underactive thyroid are the same for pregnant women. The symptoms include

• Extreme tiredness
• Trouble dealing with cold
• Muscle cramps
• Weight Gain
• constipation

Risk of Untreated Hypothyroidism during pregnancy

Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can cause- 

• anaemia
• miscarriage
• preeclampsia
• low birth weight
• stillbirth

Thyroid disease requires careful management during pregnancy to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby. By being proactive and responsible and ensuring regular monitoring with health checkups, you can contribute to a healthy pregnancy.

How do you maintain your thyroid health during pregnancy?

Maintaining thyroid health is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Here are some ways to ensure thyroid health during pregnancy:

Get Thyroid Screening

If you have a family history of thyroid disease, get your thyroid test done before conception. Regularly monitoring thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, and T4) is not only important but also a proactive step you can take during pregnancy. 

Preparation- You need to fast for 10-12 hours before the Thyroid Test. Do not take Thyroid medications before the test. Consult your doctor if you have any confusion. 

Follow a Balanced Diet

Iodine is vital for thyroid hormone production. Eat iodine-rich foods like iodised salt, dairy products, eggs, seafood, and fortified grains. Pregnant women need about 220 micrograms of iodine per day. 

Just one Brazil nut a day can provide enough selenium to help your thyroid produce the essential hormone T3 and protect its cells from damage.

Take Multivitamins

Prenatal vitamins contain necessary iodine and other nutrients like folic acid, iron, and vitamin D. 

Manage Stress

Stress can negatively impact your thyroid function. Try stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, listening to calming songs, and some other activities that can help you relax and reduce your stress.

Stay Active 

Exercise regularly to maintain your thyroid function. Try simple exercises like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga. 

Follow the Doctor's Advice on Medications

Take prescribed medications only by consulting your doctor. 

Get yourself hydrated

Hydration keeps your metabolic functions running smoothly. Aim to drink 3-4 litres of water daily.

The bottom line

From supporting fetal brain development to preventing complications, these hormones play a vital role in creating a healthy environment for the growing baby. 

According to statistics, approximately 2-3% of pregnant women are affected by hypothyroidism, while hyperthyroidism occurs in about 0.1-0.4% of pregnancies. Untreated thyroid disorders during pregnancy can create adverse situations like preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays. Therefore, regular monitoring and timely intervention are key to ensuring a healthy pregnancy outcome. By taking regular health checkups and monitoring their thyroid function, expectant mothers can significantly reduce the risk of complications and provide the best possible start for their babies.