Thyroid gland diseases

The thyroid gland plays a huge role in the processes occurring in the body during pregnancy. Thyroid hormones are involved in the development and growth of the fetus. Normally, during gestation, the thyroid gland function increases and its function decreases immediately before childbirth.

Hypothyroidism - a decrease in thyroid function, is rare. This pathology can be associated with an autoimmune thyroid lesion or develops as a result of treatment of intoxication caused by a high level of thyroid hormones - thyrotoxicosis. Pregnant women with hypothyroidism experience weakness, lethargy, decreased appetite, drowsiness, complain of memory loss, dry skin, loss and fragility of hair, pale skin. There may be swelling, depression. Treatment usually involves replacement therapy with thyroid hormones.

More common is the increase in thyroid function - hyperthyroidism. In pregnant women, the first sign of hyperthyroidism is vomiting. Patients also complain of palpitation, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbance, sweating, a feeling of heat, trembling of the hands, an increase in the size of the thyroid gland, a slight increase in body temperature.

During pregnancy, constant monitoring of the obstetrician-gynecologist and endocrinologist is necessary. The woman is hospitalized in the hospital at an early date, up to 12 weeks, for examination and deciding whether to continue or terminate the pregnancy. Fertility is possible only with mild hyperthyroidism and a positive effect of treatment. At the slightest complications, hospitalization is indicated.

To establish the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct blood tests to determine the level of thyroid hormones.

The pathology of the thyroid gland during pregnancy is dangerous for both the woman and the fetus. Possible development of complications, miscarriages, congenital malformations in a child. Nevertheless, with proper and timely treatment, the risk of these complications is not higher than in healthy women.

In pregnancy, it is important that the doctor selects the optimal drug and its dose for correction of thyroid dysfunction.