Hypothyroidism and pregnancy

Nicky08 · January 2009

I have known that I have atleast some degree of hypothyroidism for almost a few years now, though my doctor has never used this word. He's just said, "you have slightly lower levels". Since I've known I'm pregnant (6 days) I was impressed to do some research about it just out of curiousity. Just research how it is with hypothyroidism during pregnancy, etc. I come to find out this...

For years, physicians have known of a link between mothers with hypothyroidism during pregnancy and developmental delay in their children after birth.... There is a relationship between thyroid levels in the mother and brain development of her child. A large study reported in 1999 found that undetected or inadequately treated hypothyroidism in mothers was associated with IQ changes in the infants of these women. The average IQ scores were about 4 points lower in the children of hypothyroid mothers than in children of normal mothers. Larger IQ deficits were seen in the children of mothers who had more severe hypothyroidism. These children had an average IQ 7 points lower than normal. In addition, almost 20% of these children had IQ scores of less than 85 compared to 5% of the children of normal mothers. The children of hypothyroid mothers were also more likely to have difficulty in school or have repeated grades.

This study demonstrates that uncontrolled hypothyroidism in pregnant women can have long-term effects on the children of these mothers. Also, the effects occur even if the hypothyroidism is mild and the woman does not exhibit any symptoms. However, the more significant the hypothyroidism, the greater the likelihood of developmental problems.

https://www.medicinenet.com/hypothyroidism_during_pregnancy/article.htm

Oh, ok. GOOD TO KNOW! I had been on the medication for a little over a year or so, but at some point along the way I stopped taking it because I wasn't feeling any less tired while taking the medication (which is the reason I got my levels checked out in the first place). I figured it wouldn't hurt me to stop. But I had never ever thought it would hurt or hinder my baby by not taking it! I had no idea there was a correlation. I know I really must be stupid. But I really didn't, until I did some online research. And I was never told this by anyone, none of my doctors.

So at this point I am feeling nothing but worried. I am feeling like a bad person/mom for not knowing that I should have been taking it. I'm worried that everything is ok with my baby so far. I am only 6.5 weeks along and I now have the medication to take asap so hopefully from now on it will be ok/better.

Please no flamming or snarks. This is a really tough subject for me right now. I'd just like to know if any of you have hypothyroidism and have had a baby before. What was your experience like? Or are you currently pregnant with this also? Did you have any pregnancy problems relating to this. Do you know anyone who did?

Abc123 · January 2009

I am tearing up because you did your own research. So beautiful! :-)

I would tell your OB that you had weren't taking it and are now taking it just so he could know. The OB is one of those "full disclosure" relationships!!

Mama Angelina · January 2009

I too am hypothyroid, and from what I have been told and based on my research it really is untreated or very under-treated that is cause for concern. Case in point, I was unable to conceive until the month I got put on meds. My dr said your body wouldn't conceive if you weren't capable of taking care of the baby's needs. I am on a super small dosage and my dr isn't really concerned. Just get your levels checked regularly and take your meds now consistently. You are newly pg so you should be fine getting on meds now. Actually lots of women get diagnosed during pg and had no idea for a while that they were hypothyroid. I really think you shouldn't worry especially because at this point you can't do anything but start taking it now. You can't beat yourself up about it or you'll be doing that all 9 months. It's not healthy. So...just be positive and I'm sure your baby is doing just fine.

PM me if you have other Qs.

annibes · January 2009

Don't beat yourself up. You found out early enough, I would think. Definitely let the doctor know about your condition and meds, but here's something that occurred to me that might make you feel better:

The issues they are talking about are cognition issues and executive function issues. Right now, baby's brain/neural tube is concerned with one thing: biological needs. It's acting and reacting the way it is supposed to to help baby survive and grow- but there isn't a "thinking" brain in there yet.

Just keep on the meds, talk to your doctor, and try not to freak out. You did good, mom- I'm sure there are a lot of women who don't even know they have hypothyroidism and get pregnant.?

Nicky08 · January 2009

Good points. Thank you ladies...

CVC · January 2009

Don't feel bad, just call your ob Monday and tell him you need your levels checked to see if you are still low.

I developed hypothroyidism after my son was born, I was 4 months preg. with #2 and still had bad hair loss, had it checked then and it was low. So it was low for the first 4 months of my preg with my daughter, and she is fine, very bright child.

sparrowsocks · January 2009

I am also hypo and on a very low dose. My endo just told me to I'll need it checked once a trimester at least. She is not concerned at all.

I'm sure you're fine. Call your dr Monday morning! Smile

LSYoung28 · January 2009

I have hypo as well, but I am on a much higher dose. My Dr said to get my levels checked every 6 weeks. As long as you are being monitored and get your meds adjusted accordingly all should be fine.

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