Elevated TSH...possibly for last 6 weeks!

jenna1008

Great.  So I'm scheduled for my c-section next Thursday, and I got a call from my doc this morning that my TSH is 4.8.  Super.  So now my baby may be permanently damaged because this was more closely managed over the past 6 weeks?  My meds have been adjusted frequently throughout pregnancy, but I haven't had blood work in about 8 weeks.  I'm SUPER paranoid.  Someone please tell me that this isn't so bad, the baby will be fine, it's the beginning of the pregnancy when it matters the most, blah blah blah.  I'm kind of freaking out.  Sorry, feeling super horrible/desperate and I need some support right now

jperhac

Do not feel bad about this at all.  I have been dealing with hypo thyroidism for 11 years now.  TSH levels between 1.0 and 5.0 are considered within the normal range.  However, what is normal for everyone to feel there optimal best is not the same.  For me, I feel best with a TSH between 1.0 and 2.0.  For my sister (who is also hypo thyroid) she feels best with here range in the 4's.

Lastly,  the most critical time for the thyroid impacting the pregnancy is in the first trimester when the neurological system is just developing.  

Don't worry.  Your levels aren't off the charts and you're still within the normal range.  Your baby will be fine!

itsmevkb

On so many scales 4.8 isn't even considered high so I wouldn't worry too much about it.  Plus, what were your other results or did they only test your TSH?  I've had crazy thyroid issues in my last three pregnancies and have been told that although TSH is important, if all your other numbers (free T, T3, etc.) are good your TSH can be high or low and it's not as big of a deal.

sugarmagzz

My understanding is that the baby starts producing his/her own thyroid hormones at about 8-10 weeks pregnant so I wouldn't be too concerned. If it really worries you then you should talk to your endocrinologist.

erikalovesmatt

My TSH was 32 (THIRTY TWO!) when I was about 10 weeks pregnant. As far as we know, the baby's just fine in there.

Kcirar726

Im 34 weeks, and my endo just called the other day to say my tsh is 5.6, last time i tested it was 5.5. She didn't seem to worried, she just adjusted my meds, and I'll test again in 2 months.