Thyroid and Pregnancy What You Need to Know

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the neck synthesizes thyroid hormones that play an essential role in maintaining growth, metabolism, and other functions of the body. The thyroid gland may produce excess or little hormone leading to thyroid disorders in pregnancy. An elevated thyroid is known as hyperthyroidism and low levels indicate hypothyroidism. Hence, it is recommended by doctors to undergo thyroid test in Mumbai for detecting thyroid hormones in the blood. The undiagnosed and untreated thyroid disorders in pregnancy may cause severe health issues in the baby during pregnancy and after delivery. Let’s discuss the symptoms, causes, and effects of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in baby and mother. 

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy

Symptoms

  • Pulmonary hypertension- It is blood pressure that develops in the arteries. 
  • Preeclampsia- The blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy may lead to disorders in the kidney, heart, and liver.
  • Heart failure- The heart is not able to pump adequate blood to the remaining body parts.
  • Thyroid storm- It is rare but a life-threatening condition that may result in heart failure in the woman.
  • Irregular heartbeat 

Effects on baby and mother

  • Miscarriage- The condition wherein a baby dies in the womb before 20 weeks. 
  • Stillbirth- When a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks
  • Premature birth- The baby is born before 37 weeks.
  • Thyroid problems- The antibodies produced due to Grave’s disease may cross the placenta and increase the risk of thyroid disorders in babies before and after birth. 
  • Baby born with low birth weight

A thyroid profile test in Mumbai can detect elevated thyroid levels in pregnant women. The test can prevent you and an unborn child from life-threatening diseases. 

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy

Symptoms

  • Anemia
  • Preeclampsia 
  • Cardiac failure
  • Constipation
  • Muscular cramps
  • Myxedema, a rare condition may lead to coma or death
  • Post-partum hemorrhage, heavy bleeding after birth.
  • Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks.

Effects on baby and mother

  • Stillbirth or miscarriage
  • A child born with a low birth weight
  • Infantile myxedema, a condition that may cause intellectual anomalies and dwarfism in the baby. 
  • Low IQ in baby

Quick tips to control thyroid levels

Iodine is an essential mineral required to produce thyroid hormones. Hence, you must take at least 250 micrograms of iodine daily to prevent thyroid disorders during pregnancy. You can take the food items like eggs, dairy products, iodized salt, seafood, and meat. Also, you are recommended to consult your doctor. 

Need to get tested during pregnancy

Now, we know that there are so many severe health conditions that may affect the quality of life both in a pregnant woman before and after delivery. Hence, it is important to control thyroid levels. The thyroid function test in Mumbai detects the thyroid hormones in pregnancy and supports clinicians to prescribe treatment and preventive measures accordingly. 

It is important to manage thyroid levels for proper development & growth of the fetus and successful delivery. A thyroid test detects low or high thyroid levels that can be managed at the earliest for appropriate treatment on time. The test can be scheduled from Redcliffe Labs, the fastest-growing pathology lab in India.

The thyroid test cost in Mumbai is reasonable and you will get accurate reports in the minimum turnaround time. Also, the test can be scheduled in just one minute from the website and mobile application.