Does mild hyperthyroidism affect the fetus?

If a pregnant woman finds that she has symptoms of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, she must go to the hospital for relevant examinations in time, because hyperthyroidism will have a certain impact on the fetus. First of all, patients with hyperthyroidism need to control their hyperthyroidism with medication. The medication will be passed to the fetus through the placenta, causing a certain impact on the growth and development of the fetus. We should take medication under the guidance and advice of an obstetrician and gynecologist. So, what effects does mild hyperthyroidism have on the fetus?

1. Notes

⑴ Ensure adequate rest, keep a happy and comfortable spirit, pay attention to a reasonable nutritional combination of meals, and pay attention to eating foods that are high in calories, protein and vitamins. Since the fetus absorbs a large amount of calcium from the mother during pregnancy, and hyperthyroidism can cause calcium deficiency in the pregnant woman, she should eat more foods containing calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, such as milk, dairy products, vegetables with low oxalic acid content, beans, seafood, bone soup, animal liver, eggs, etc. People who are mentally nervous can take sedatives such as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide. For mild cases, if the pulse rate is less than 80 beats per minute when falling asleep, thyroid medication may not be needed.

⑵ It is contraindicated to use radioactive isotopes for diagnosis and treatment to prevent effects on the fetus. Because antithyroid drugs can freely enter the fetus, the dosage should be small. If the dosage is too large, it may cause miscarriage in early pregnancy and affect the development of the fetus's thyroid, brain, and bones.

⑶Propylthiouracil (PTU) is generally the first choice for the treatment of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy. Among antithyroid drugs, PTU can block the conversion of T4 to T3 and has a relatively small ability to pass through the placenta. (PTU: daily dose 100~200mg is appropriate)

⑷ Rash, fever, joint pain, nausea, diarrhea, itching, etc. that occur during medication are side effects of the drug. You may stop taking the medicine or follow the doctor's instructions.

⑸ During pregnancy or after delivery, the patient's original symptoms worsen, and there is restlessness, drowsiness, fainting, high fever (above 39 degrees), and a heart rate of more than 140 beats per minute. This is called "hyperthyroid crisis". The condition is serious and the patient should be hospitalized immediately for treatment without delay.

⑹ Pregnancy complicated by hyperthyroidism poses certain risks to both the pregnant woman and the fetus. Therefore, in addition to paying attention to the above matters, you should also go to the hospital for obstetric examinations on time to detect abnormalities in time. In the late stages of pregnancy, special attention should be paid to avoiding mental stimulation and infectious diseases, being admitted to the hospital before the due date of delivery, being mentally and therapeutically prepared, and guarding against hyperthyroidism.

2. Diet and Lifestyle

⒈ Hyperthyroidism patients have excessive secretion of T3 and T4, and their metabolic rate is particularly high, so their demand for some nutrients is relatively increased. Therefore, hyperthyroidism patients should eat more high-calorie, high-protein, and vitamin-rich foods; and replenish lost water.

⒉ Avoid eating foods high in iodine, especially kelp, fish, and other seafood.

⒊ Do not smoke, do not drink strong tea, coffee, alcohol, etc. Do not eat spicy food, especially peppers, onions, ginger, garlic, etc.

4. Pay attention to rest, avoid excessive activity, and actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment.

5. People around patients with hyperthyroidism should also be considerate of the patients and try to relieve their nervousness to avoid worsening of the condition.