It’s no secret that being pregnant changes a lot about your body. From a growing belly to sore feet, many of these changes are expected — but one aspect that’s easy to overlook is your thyroid.
Your thyroid is a small gland found at the front of your neck. It plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism, and during pregnancy, its function becomes even more essential for both your and your baby's health.
However, being pregnant can also change the way your thyroid functions, and you might be more likely to develop a thyroid disorder. At Endocrine Associates of West Village, we offer specialized care for thyroid disorders, and we’re here to help you understand how pregnancy can affect your thyroid and what you can do about it.
When you’re pregnant, your body produces higher levels of certain hormones, including estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These hormonal changes can affect your thyroid’s normal function, often leading to slight fluctuations in your thyroid hormone levels.
Minor fluctuations are generally harmless, but for some women, they’re major and can contribute to thyroid problems. Two of the most common thyroid disorders during pregnancy are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, unexplained weight loss, and anxiety. It’s often linked to an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease, and pregnancy can exacerbate it.
Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, happens when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, and depression. This condition often goes hand in hand with Hashimoto’s disease, which is another autoimmune disorder.
Having a thyroid disorder can complicate your pregnancy because your thyroid hormones not only regulate your metabolism but also contribute to your baby’s growth and development, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy.
In the first trimester, a growing baby depends on the mother’s thyroid hormones for brain and nervous system development. Untreated thyroid disorders can lead to developmental issues and other complications. Thyroid disorders can also increase your risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia, so proactive monitoring and management are critical.
If you have a pre-existing thyroid condition or you're diagnosed with a thyroid issue during pregnancy, it’s important to manage your thyroid hormone levels closely. Fortunately, with the proper care, you can manage most thyroid conditions and boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Our team at Endocrine Associates of West Village offers advanced care for thyroid disorders, and here are a few of the most critical elements of a comprehensive thyroid management plan during pregnancy:
Getting regular thyroid checks helps ensure your thyroid functions well throughout your pregnancy. These visits allow us to monitor your thyroid hormone levels and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
If you have a history of thyroid problems or risk factors, we recommend having your thyroid levels tested early in pregnancy and throughout. Even if you've never had a thyroid issue before, it's important to report symptoms like extreme fatigue, rapid weight changes, or heart palpitations because these can signal thyroid dysfunction.
If you develop a thyroid condition during pregnancy, medication can help regulate your hormone levels. If you’re already on thyroid medication, we may need to adjust your dosage during pregnancy.
For hypothyroidism, we often prescribe synthetic thyroid hormones like levothyroxine, and it’s common for the dose to increase to meet the demands of pregnancy. For hyperthyroidism, we use anti-thyroid medications to help regulate hormone levels, but it’s essential to monitor dosages to protect your baby.
Eating a balanced diet rich in iodine is vital for healthy thyroid function. Iodine is critical for producing thyroid hormones, and your recommended daily intake of iodine increases during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins typically include iodine, but consult your obstetrician about whether you’re getting enough.
Pregnancy can significantly impact thyroid health. Whether you have pre-existing thyroid problems or develop a condition during pregnancy, proactive care helps you maintain a healthy pregnancy.
Learn more and get a personalized treatment plan with an appointment at Endocrine Associates of West Village. Call our offices in Brooklyn, Long Island City, and New York, New York, or request your first appointment online now.
