Relieve the anxiety of having hyperthyroidism during pregnancy

Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can have consequences for both the mother and the fetus. However, in fact, not everyone understands about this syndrome to promptly treat it to avoid dangerous complications.

Hyperthyroidism is the second most common endocrine disease after diabetes, with a 1 in 1,500 pregnancy rate. Pregnant women with hyperthyroidism often have symptoms such as uneven weight gain, rapid heartbeat, unusual vomiting ...

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism, also known as hyperthyroidism, is an overactive thyroid, leading to increased production of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, causing metabolic disorders of the body. There are several forms of hyperthyroidism, but the most common is Graves' disease .

Causes of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy

During pregnancy, the hormone HCG is produced. The HCG hormone will peak about 12 weeks after pregnancy. This mildly irritates the thyroid gland and causes some symptoms of hyperthyroidism. HCG is also the cause of nausea in the first trimester. If you're pregnant with multiple pregnancies, your HCG levels will even get higher and your symptoms will become more pronounced. Approximately 10-20% of pregnant women develop these symptoms, but most of these women do not need treatment.

Women with severe vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum) may also have symptoms of mild hyperthyroidism. However, these symptoms usually go away after the first trimester.

In addition to the above reasons, there are also the following reasons:

Immune disorders, such as Graves' disease, can cause the thyroid to overproduce hormones.

A family history of thyroid problems or autoimmune diseases may also increase the risk of developing hyperthyroidism during pregnancy.

Certain medications, such as those that help your heart beat normally, can also cause hyperthyroidism during pregnancy.

An infection near the thyroid gland can also be the cause.

Other thyroid problems such as an enlarged thyroid, swelling from an infection, or thyroid cancer can also affect the way the thyroid works.

High iodine levels can also cause hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland uses iodine to make hormones. As a result, the thyroid will make more hormones if the iodine level in your body is high.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy

Below are the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Symptoms vary from person to person but will generally include the following symptoms:

Lose weight or don't gain weight as expected, frequent cravings, diarrhea or constipation

Tachycardia and rapid breathing, even at rest

Increased perspiration and poor heat resistance

Cyst, painful swelling in the neck or bulging eyes

Anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, or trouble sleeping

Shivering and muscle weakness

Hypertension, headache, nausea, and blurred vision.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may mimic other illnesses. Therefore, see your doctor to know the most accurate cause.

Hyperthyroidism affects pregnancy like?

An overactive thyroid can have many effects. It can lead to preterm birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and low birth weight. The most common complication in women with hyperthyroidism is pre-eclampsia .

Another serious complication that can be life-threatening is a thyroid storm. This is a condition in which thyroid hormone levels rise dramatically, leading to fever, dehydration, diarrhea, fast and irregular heartbeat, shock and even death if not treated promptly.

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy

Your doctor will review your symptoms and perform some blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels. In addition, your doctor may also look for antibodies in the blood to see if Graves' disease is the cause of hyperthyroidism.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy

Treatment for hyperthyroidism during pregnancy will depend on your health, age, stage of pregnancy and the size of your thyroid gland. If you have mild hyperthyroidism, it may not need treatment. If hyperthyroidism is related to vomiting, then just treat vomiting and dehydration.

If symptoms of hyperthyroidism are severe, your doctor may prescribe anti-thyroid medication, which helps to lower thyroid hormones. This treatment prevents too much thyroid hormone from entering the baby's bloodstream.

Usually, drugs such as propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (MMI) will be used. However, both of these drugs can cross the placenta and enter the fetus. However, treatment will be given priority because if not treated, it can lead to more unpredictable consequences.

Surgery may be done to remove all or part of the thyroid gland . The doctor will perform surgery during pregnancy if they feel it is safe for you and your baby.

About 1% of babies born to women with Graves' disease will develop hyperthyroidism after birth. This is because antibodies that stimulate the thyroid can be passed across the placenta and affect the baby.

Before giving birth, if the fetal heart rate is high (greater than 160 beats / min), when an ultrasound detects a goiter in the fetus, poor growth of the fetus or abnormal bone development, it may be a sign for fetus has hyperthyroidism.

If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe medication (PTU or MMI) to treat your baby. After giving birth, hyperthyroidism can be detected by a blood test.

Women with hyperthyroidism treated with PTU and MMI drugs can breastfeed their babies. Recent studies indicate that this is safe because concentrations of drugs that enter breast milk are quite low. PTU medication is often preferred because it has lower concentrations in breast milk.

When should I see a doctor?

Baby moves less than usual

You have a fever

You feel nervous, restless

You get chills, cough, or feel weak and achy

You have run out of thyroid medication or have stopped taking it.

When to call the doctor right away?

Your baby kicks you constantly or doesn't move

Sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing

Broken amniotic fluid and vaginal bleeding

The heart beats very fast

Fainting or convulsions.

In a nutshell, hyperthyroidism can occur due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy and often go away on its own. In women with hyperthyroidism, especially Graves' disease, if not promptly intervened, the disease will cause detrimental effects on pregnancy and baby. The best way to avoid complications of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is to make sure the disease is under control before conception.