What should I do if I experience hypothyroidism during pregnancy?

What should I do if I experience hypothyroidism during pregnancy?

It is common to encounter hypothyroidism during pregnancy for a variety of reasons. Some patients have low thyroid function due to thyroiditis, while some patients develop hypothyroidism after treatment of hyperthyroidism. In addition, some patients after thyroid cancer surgery cannot maintain adequate thyroid hormone levels due to thyroid deficiency or impaired function, which leads to hypothyroidism. According to statistics, about 1% to 2% of pregnant women worldwide are affected by hypothyroidism during pregnancy. In my country, with the improvement of health awareness of pregnant women and the continuous improvement of medical level, the screening and diagnosis rate of hypothyroidism during pregnancy is also gradually increasing.

Hypothyroidism during pregnancy has an adverse effect on fetal growth and development, because thyroxine is a hormone that promotes the growth and development of the baby. If you encounter hypothyroidism during pregnancy, how should you deal with it?

First of all, it is important to realize that thyroid function is not stable throughout pregnancy, but rather that the thyroid hormone levels of pregnant women fluctuate as the fetus grows and develops at different stages. Therefore, when checking thyroid hormone levels at different stages of pregnancy, attention should be paid to the normal range of values ​​at each stage. It is crucial to undergo detailed pregnancy checkups, and thyroid hormone testing is an essential item. Especially in the early stages of pregnancy, the thyroid function of pregnant women is easily affected, and more attention should be paid to fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels.

Secondly, if abnormal thyroid hormone levels are found at different stages, thyroid hormone tablets need to be supplemented according to the normal range at that time. Usually, drugs such as Euthyrox are used for treatment to adjust to the appropriate thyroid hormone level. Therefore, it is very important to adjust the drug dosage according to the doctor's advice based on a detailed pregnancy test. The doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan based on factors such as the pregnant woman's age, weight, gestational age, and thyroid function indicators. Following the doctor's advice and ensuring a moderate drug dosage can effectively treat hypothyroidism and avoid side effects caused by overdose.

In addition, pregnant women should maintain good living habits, eat a balanced diet, keep their emotions stable, and avoid overwork during pregnancy. Under the guidance of a doctor, they should do appropriate exercise to enhance the body's immunity and reduce the burden on the thyroid gland. At the same time, regular prenatal check-ups to detect and solve problems in a timely manner can help reduce the impact of hypothyroidism during pregnancy on the fetus.

In short, hypothyroidism during pregnancy has a certain impact on both pregnant women and fetuses, but through early detection, timely treatment and scientific adjustment of lifestyle, the impact of hypothyroidism on the health of mothers and babies can be effectively reduced. Pregnant women and their families should pay attention to thyroid function tests, pay close attention to changes in thyroid hormone levels, and cooperate with doctors' treatment recommendations to provide a healthy growth environment for the fetus. With the joint efforts of doctors and pregnant women, the health of mothers and babies can be ensured to welcome the arrival of new life.