Pregnancy is a time of rapid change for both the mother and the foetus, and it puts the mother and the foetus under a lot of physiological strain. Endocrine changes can sometimes make these changes even worse. An undiagnosed thyroid disorder, an endocrine problem, can have serious consequences for both the mother and the child.
Thyroid disorders affect one out of every ten Indians, with 60% of cases going undiagnosed. Women are three times more likely than men to develop this condition. Around 12.5 percent of Indian women suffer from thyroid problems.
Thyroid hormone levels must be adequate for the development of the foetal brain and nervous system.
The developing foetus is completely reliant on the mother’s thyroid for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, so it’s critical to keep hormonal levels in check. Because the symptoms of low or high thyroid levels are similar to those experienced during pregnancy, all women should have their thyroid levels checked to see if they have an underlying thyroid problem. This is especially important because India has a high prevalence of sub-clinical hypothyroidism, which can only be detected through a blood test. TSH, as well as free T3 and T4 levels, are used by your endocrinologist to make a diagnosis.
Thyroid problems that go undiagnosed and untreated can result in a low IQ in a developing child, as well as problems with normal development. Miscarriage, low birth weight, stillbirth, preeclampsia (a dangerous rise in blood pressure in late pregnancy), and congestive heart failure are all possible outcomes.
Dr. Krishnaveni Nayini adds, “All women are advised to have a pre-pregnancy check-up and to follow up with all of their checks during pregnancy to avoid any undetected problems.”
“Though thyroid problems can have serious consequences, if detected early, they can be treated with simple treatments that can adjust thyroid levels and prevent any complications in the mother and child,” says Dr Krishna Veni, Senior Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Ankura hospital for women and children.
To avoid thyroid problems, all women should eat iodine-rich foods, stay physically active, and have their thyroids checked on a regular basis. Women should also refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol, both of which can impair thyroid gland function.
Thyroid hormone supplements to compensate for low hormone levels, or antithyroid medicine to combat high hormone levels, can help keep thyroid levels under control. These medications can also be prescribed safely during pregnancy. Once you’ve been diagnosed, you’ll need to have regular blood tests to monitor your hormone levels, which will allow your endocrinologist to adjust your medication dosage. Women who have had any changes in their thyroid levels should consult their doctor after giving birth.
