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1. Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy
Contact us:
Miami Obstetrics and Gynecology (305) 270-2331
appointment@miami-obgyn.com | http://www.miami-obgyn.com

2.  The thyroid is a large gland located in the
neck that is responsible for hormone growth
and regulation, which means that any thyroid
disorder can throw a lot of things in your
body out of whack.
 This is especially true if you have a thyroid
disease, such as hyperthyroidism or
hypothyroidism, when pregnant.
Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy

3.  Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is a condition
in which the thyroid gland produces too many
hormones. During pregnancy, hyperthyroidism raises
the risks of miscarriage, preterm labor, low birth
weight babies, stillbirths and pregnancy complications
such as preeclampsia.
 Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include increased heart
rate, sensitivity to heat, fatigue, irregular heartbeat,
weight loss or low weight gain during pregnancy,
nausea and vomiting.
Hyperthyroidism

4.  Because symptoms of hyperthyroidism
are similar to those many women
experience in the first trimester of
pregnancy, diagnosing it can be difficult.
Generally though, doctors base their
diagnoses on high levels of thyroid
hormones, T3 and T4, and a low level of
thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Hyperthyroidism

5.  Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by one of four
things:
 Graves disease, an autoimmune disease
 A goiter, which can cause the thyroid to produce
excessive amounts of hormones
 Inflammation of the thyroid
 Consumption of too much iodine
 In pregnant women, high levels of hCF, which is seen in
severe forms of morning sickness , can also cause
hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism - Causes

6.  Treatment of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is
usually an anti-thyroid medication.
 Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a
condition in which the thyroid gland has
abnormally low activity, which can result in growth
and development retardation in children and
adults. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Hyperthyroidism - Treatment

7.  Fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, puffy face,
muscle weakness, elevated blood cholesterol, pain, stiffness or swelling in
joints, muscle aches, thinning hair, heavy or irregular periods, depression,
slowed heart rate or impaired memory.
 Hypothyroidism is most common in middle-aged or older women, and can
be caused by a number of conditions, including:
 An autoimmune disease which affects the thyroid’s ability to produce
hormones.
 Treatment for hyperthyroidism for when the thyroid is too active.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism sometimes results in the opposite extreme.
 Thyroid surgery, radiation therapy and certain medications.
Hyperthyroidism - Symptoms

8.  To diagnose hypothyroidism, doctors will perform a
physical exam and order blood tests to measure the
levels of TSH and T4, hormones produced by the
thyroid.
 Hypothyroidism is usually treated with a synthetic
hormone which is similar to the hormone T4 made by
the thyroid. If you are being treated for
hypothyroidism during pregnancy, your doctor will
monitor your thyroid function and perform tests every
4-6 weeks.
Hyperthyroidism - Treatment

9.  Another cause of both hyperthyroidism and
hypothyroidism is pregnancy itself. During
pregnancy, some women produce antibodies
that act against their own thyroid gland. Both
diseases must be treated during pregnancy –
if not, they can lead to miscarriage,
premature delivery and preeclampsia, and
can also affect the development of the fetus,
as well as child development after birth.
Pregnancy as a Cause

10.  If you experience any of the symptoms of
hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, make an
appointment with your doctor, whether you are
pregnant or not. Women who are not pregnant but
suffer from thyroid disease still need to be treated.
Women who are being treated for thyroid disease
and then become pregnant should speak with their
endocrinologists and OBGYNs, as their treatment
may need to be modified.
Treatment of Thyroid Disease in
Pregnancy

11.  After a woman gives birth, another thyroid condition can arise,
termed postpartum thyroiditis. This condition is an
inflammation of the thyroid and can involve hyperthyroidism,
hypothyroidism or both. Postpartum thyroiditis occurs in 5-10%
of women in the U.S. and treatment depends on the phase of
thyroiditis and the severity of the symptoms.
 If you feel something is “off” after you give birth, and think
that it’s not just the regular postpartum lack of energy or
moodiness, speak to your doctor. Postpartum thyroiditis might
just be the culprit.
Postpartum Thyroiditis

12. Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy
Contact us:
Miami Obstetrics and Gynecology (305) 270-2331
appointment@miami-obgyn.com | http://www.miami-obgyn.com