Premature Birth To Miscarriage: Here's How Thyroid Can Affect You And Your Baby

Always cold or hot? Heart racing a mile per minute? Then, you might be suffering from thyroid. Beyond normal weight loss or weight gain, racing heartbeat, changing body temperature are some of the biggest thyroid symptoms during pregnancy. It is relatively common in pregnancy and even can harm your baby. Yes, it can cause anemia, stillbirth, heart failure and even miscarriage! Read on and find out its causes, symptoms and how you can treat it.

Hypothyroidism In Pregnancy

Causes 

One of the biggest causes of hypothyroidism is low levels of thyroid hormones. Some other causes are removal of the thyroid, endemic goiter, iodine deficiency, and radiation therapy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as extreme tiredness and weight gain, may be easily confused with normal symptoms of pregnancy. Other symptoms may include:

• Constipation
• Difficulty in remembering something
• Sensitivity to cold temperatures
• Muscle cramps
• Excessive Hairfall

Diagnosis

Take the TSH and T4 test to confirm the results.

Nutrition And Dietary Supplements 

Doctors recommend women to eat green vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and fenugreek during pregnancy. It contains magnesium which is necessary for the functioning of the thyroid gland. Also, make sure to include eggs, walnuts, iodine intake, mushrooms, and fish in your diet. They contain omega 3 fatty acids and selenium which will regulate your hormones. 

Hyperthyroidism 

Causes

It is usually caused by an autoimmune disorder Grave’s Disease. In this disorder, the immune system attacks its cells and organs instead of protecting it. Toxic Adenomas is also the cause of it, which disturbs the chemical balance of the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism might confuse you with pregnancy symptoms, such as increased heart rate, sensitivity to hot temperatures and nausea. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include the following:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Heightened nervousness
• Severe fatigue
• Sleepless nights
• Weight loss or weight gain beyond that expected of a typical pregnancy

Diagnosis

Take out these 3 test- TSH test, T3 & T4 test, and TSI test- and get sure whether you are at risk or not!

How Can It Affect You And Baby?

It can lead to premature birth and even miscarriage. A newborn can suffer from rapid heart rate leading to heart failure, poor weight gain or low birth weight.

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Precautions

Here’s how you can prevent thyroid and pregnancy complications from harming your body and the baby.

• Avoid starving for long periods. 
• The thyroid gland is susceptible to x-rays, so make sure to use thyroid shield while getting tested.
• Smoking is a big no during pregnancy. It can put your baby at higher risk.
• Always take proper diet recommended by the doctor. 

So, follow these steps and ensure a safe and hassle-free pregnancy! Stay tuned to HerZindagi for more such articles.