Pregnancy and Thyroid - Symptoms | Causes | Remedies

Even if you do not have any noticeable thyroid issues, it is a good idea to get your thyroid hormone levels checked before you decide to start a family.

Evaluation prior or during pregnancy

It is recommended by doctors now-a-days that all women should get their levels of thyroid hormones evaluated, prior to or during pregnancy. 

Some women may require testing of their thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy. Instances where you should get your thyroid hormone levels regularly tested are when you have a history of thyroid issues or have suspected thyroid issues in the past, or when hypothyroidism runs in your family.

During pregnancy, hypothyroidism can quickly become unregulated, even if it was under control previously. For this reason, people with hypothyroidism should get themselves periodically tested.

Risk factors

Women with hypothyroidism may be categorized as “high risk” in some cases. Such women should avoid giving birth at home or in a birth center. They are usually advised to consult an OB or a perinatologist during the course of their pregnancy.

Breast milk production

Breast milk production is affected by abnormal levels of thyroid hormones. Thus, women who have trouble producing enough breast milk should get their thyroid hormone levels evaluated as well as get tested for anemia. Of course, there are several causes of inadequate breast milk production but thyroid hormone levels are often overlooked. 

Since the levels of thyroid hormones can vacillate a lot after giving birth, testing on repeated occasions may be required. Usually, most women who have a medical history of thyroid problems do not face issues with breastfeeding. However, they should be careful to look out for possible problems with their thyroid.

Weight

Some women may gain excessive weight after childbirth despite breast feeding the baby and consuming a balanced diet. These women may have postpartum thyroid problems and should be tested.

Lastly, women who have faced issues with their thyroid during the course of their pregnancy and afterwards should watch out for a recurrence of similar conditions during perimenopause and menopause.

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