Hypothyroidism):

lwoodruff15 · June 2015

Went to the doctor a few weeks ago and she told me my thyroid hormone levels are low. I'm worried for what this means, I've tried to stay off the Internet for it anyone else know anything about it? I didn't ask any questions.. I was too worried at the moment to think about questions. All I can think of is, what does that mean for the baby?? She said she's going to check my thyroids again this next appointment.. I'm just so worried. Help):

ash413 · June 2015

I have been hypothyroid since I was 8 years old. It is easily controlled but requires close monitering. I would NOT rely on your OB to treat. Get your lab work and call an endocrinologist. The normal ranges were recently updated and many OB and general practice doctors are not update on the latest recommendations, many consider 5 or less normal, however, new recommendations are .3-3 and less than 2 for those that or pregnant.
Again it is easily controlled with synthroid, but you will need frequent blood tests to moniter your levels (I get mine every 6-8 weeks and I was well controlled prior to pregnancy). It is common for levels to fluctuate during pregnancy.

If left untreated it can affect your child's development, and puts you at a slightly higher risk for a mc-though that is more of a concern prior to 13 weeks (after 13 weeks baby should have their own functioning thyroid)

Let me know if you have any question, like I said I have had hypothyroid for the greater portion of my life.

Edit to add, endos are often very busy and booked a few months out. Tell them you are currently pregnant and lab work at your OB indicated a newly diagnosed hypothyroidism...the will get you in SO much faster

VexyMommy · June 2015

I would go to Dr. Google first on this one. Only look at reputable sites as the information they have will give you a better idea what to expect.

lwoodruff15 · June 2015

She didn't seem to rush it. She said a possible reason Could Be a nodule on my gland. I'm 16 weeks now and it was noticed I think around 8 weeks and confirmed my levels were low a few weeks ago. I had mono in January so they're kinda curious if that could be a thing affecting it too. I read that some women have hypothyroidism only during pregnancy. But I think I'll call my doctor today.

urby87 · June 2015

My thyroid levels came back high, and they put me on meds to level it out. They were not concerned at all, as they said this is something that commonly fluctuates during pregnancy. I don't know if low vs. high would be a cause for worry, but I would guess that either is totally normal based on what I was told.

lwoodruff15 · June 2015

I'm just more worried about the baby more than anything else. I have a appointment on Monday for ultrasounds and other testing. They're going to be checking the development of the baby and I really hope all is well):

ash413 · June 2015

lwoodruff15 said:
She didn't seem to rush it. She said a possible reason Could Be a nodule on my gland. I'm 16 weeks now and it was noticed I think around 8 weeks and confirmed my levels were low a few weeks ago. I had mono in January so they're kinda curious if that could be a thing affecting it too. I read that some women have hypothyroidism only during pregnancy. But I think I'll call my doctor today.

That is why I would suggest talking to an endocrinologist, the thyroid is one of their specialtes. I am assuming you mean your doctor felt a goiter a few weeks ago, which is common in hypo patients. If you truly have a thyroid nodule then you most certainly need to see a specalist.
Yes many women only have hypothyroidism while pregnant, but that does not change the treatment. You need to be on enough synthroid so your TSH is 2 or below.

The decision is ultimately yours but in my experience OBs are not well read on the most recent recommendations, as there as been quite a bit of thyroid research in the last several years. I love my OB, but don't trust her with my thyroid levels because it plays such a vital role in baby's development.

rox7777 · June 2015

The most common things to happen with a low thyroid while pregnant are low birth weight and early delivery. Baby has their own functioning thyroid after 13 weeks so the main thing that will affect you will be energy levels and weight gain. I had a low thyroid with my first and I never got treated for it. He was born two weeks early at 6lbs13oz, which is considered fairly average. I'm taking medication for it this time and honestly the side effects suck for me, so now I only take it every other day. Ask how low your levels are, mine are barely below what's considered average, so I'm not too concerned at this point. I took the medication every day until I hit 13 weeks and now at 17 weeks, if I miss it, I don't stress.

bravoandprosecco · June 2015

I have been hypo for 10 years and my levels went nuts in my 1st trimester (normal because your hormones are all over the place) I agree, you have to see the specialist and make sure to do it soon. More for you than baby even! You might feel extra tired, a little depressed etc. They will put you on a daily pill and check you every 6 weeks or so to make sure the levels are good. If you leave it up to the ob they won't check as often. I have to nodules on either side that swelled up during this pregnancy. They did a biopsy and they were fine, but good to have them checked. Nothing huge to worry about I promise!

TKG83 · June 2015

I was diagnosed at 8 weeks. My doctor said that my levels had most likely been low for a little while (I have a family history of hypothyroidism and get my levels checked yearly... This year I just happened to get pregnant around the same time I normally have my levels checked so all my bloodwork was done together).
My doctor instantly put me on synthroid and I get my TSH levels checked monthly. So far I haven't needed my meds adjusted. As long as you're compliant with your meds and bloodwork and communicate with your regular doctor or endocrinologist you should be fine. In my research I came across something stating that the medication can interfere with your prenatal vitamin so it's best to take them a few hours apart. I take my synthroid in the morning and prenatal vitamin with dinner and haven't had any issues.
Good luck and don't panic.

liz5188 · June 2015

Agree with previous posters. I also have hypothyroid (almost for 8 years). Managing hypothyroidism isn't a huge deal. They put you on a daily replacement hormone pill and check lab levels after 4-6 or after any dosage change. Once you are managed, you really should t have side effects of the pill as it just mimics your body's natural hormones and you should actually feel better. My doctor is recommending checking at least once a trimester as mine has been stable for quite a few years. The mayo clinic website actually has great information. Hope this helps!

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