What causes hypothyroidism during pregnancy?

Women may find themselves suffering from hypothyroidism after becoming pregnant, but what causes gestational hypothyroidism? It is rare for women to have hypothyroidism due to pregnancy. The formation of hypothyroidism is related to many reasons, one of which is congenital; another is due to the underdevelopment or maldevelopment of the thyroid gland; and there is also an acquired reason that is due to insufficient absorption of iodine, leading to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism in women after pregnancy should not be taken lightly and they should consult a doctor for treatment.

How does hypothyroidism occur in pregnant women?

(1) Congenital causes:

① The thyroid gland is not developed or is underdeveloped.

② Due to congenital defects, some enzymes for synthesizing thyroid hormones are deficient, resulting in impaired synthesis of thyroid hormones.

③Many tissues throughout the body have receptors for thyroid hormones, and only with these receptors can thyroid hormones exert their effects. When congenital reasons cause defects in the thyroid hormone receptors of tissues, even though the amount of thyroid hormone is large, the thyroid hormone will not be able to function due to the defect in the receptors, resulting in symptoms of hypothyroidism.

(2) Acquired causes:

① Long-term iodine deficiency leads to insufficient raw materials for synthesizing thyroid hormones, thus reducing the production of thyroid hormones.

② During thyroid surgery, the entire thyroid gland is removed, or too much thyroid tissue is removed. It can also cause hypothyroidism.

③ During radioactive iodine-131 treatment, excessive dosage of iodine-131 may cause excessive destruction of thyroid tissue and may also lead to hypothyroidism.

④ Various thyroiditis can cause damage to thyroid tissue and lead to hypothyroidism.

How to prevent and treat hypothyroidism in pregnant women

Before pregnancy:

Women planning pregnancy should have their thyroid function tested in the months before conception. Doctors use a simple blood test to measure the level of thyrotropin (TSH) to determine whether the thyroid gland is functioning abnormally. If there are any abnormalities, it is usually recommended to prepare for pregnancy after treatment to normal (TSH < 2.5mIU/L).

pregnancy:

Thyroid function should be checked promptly after pregnancy is discovered, usually at the same time as early pregnancy is confirmed. It is best to detect thyroid disease in the first 3 months of pregnancy during the fetal neurodevelopment period. Thereafter, thyroid function tests should be performed every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that the pregnant mother's thyroid function is normal throughout the pregnancy.

In addition, iodine balance should be maintained, as iodine is an important component in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the body. During the first 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is completely dependent on the mother for its thyroid hormone needs. Afterwards, the fetus is able to synthesize thyroid hormones on its own. However, the fetus still depends on the mother to ensure adequate iodine levels.

Generally speaking, during pregnancy and lactation, iodine supplementation should be taken, whether in iodine-deficient or iodine-rich areas, and iodine intake should be increased to 250 micrograms per day. During this period, you can eat more iodine-rich foods, such as kelp, seaweed, marine fish and other seafood. It is not an overdose and you can eat them safely. In theory, potassium iodide should also be taken, 150 to 300 micrograms per day.

After childbirth:

Approximately 7% to 23% of mothers develop thyroid dysfunction within one year after delivery, known as postpartum thyroiditis (PPT). Therefore, it is recommended that mothers still go to the hospital to check their thyroid function within one year after delivery, especially for mothers who have had abnormal thyroid function or antibodies before and during pregnancy.

This article introduces in detail how hypothyroidism occurs in pregnant women and how to prevent it. As a pregnant woman, you must actively prevent the occurrence of hypothyroidism, so as to ensure that your body is healthier and your baby can grow and develop normally.