Having a thyroid disorder during pregnancy is very serious and it is of utmost importance to detect it early. Women with a family history of thyroid disease or a family history of autoimmune disorders (e.g., type 1 diabetes) should be seen before pregnancy or early in the pregnancy to be screened for abnormal thyroid function. It should be 8 times more prevalent in women than in men. Hypothyroidism Approximately 5% of women who become pregnant have hypothyroidism, but manifestations of the disease such as weight gain, feeling tired and weak, and swelling can easily be mistaken for normal physical and emotional responses to pregnancy. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can be very dangerous if not treated well. This is because hypothyroidism increases the risk of preterm labor and causes abnormalities in the intelligence and growth of the offspring. Hypothyroidism can also cause the placenta to detach from the uterine wall before the fetus is delivered (placental abruption), a very serious complication that can threaten the lives of both mother and fetus. Treatment of hypothyroidism during pregnancy The goal of hypothyroidism treatment is to replace the missing thyroid hormone in the body. Oral synthetic thyroid hormones are currently used. This medication should be used throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, and treatment is very important for both mother and offspring. Mothers-to-be with hypothyroidism should undergo more frequent thyroid tests to ensure that the right amount of thyroid hormone is being used. Thyroid hormone dosage is usually increased by 25-50% during pregnancy compared to the pre-pregnancy dosage. Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is rare, but if left untreated, it can cause serious harm to the mother and the fetus. Complications include miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm labor, high blood pressure, fetal physical defects, and “hyperthyroidism crisis”. Almost all (85%) of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is caused by Graves’ disease. Pregnant women with Graves’ disease may go into remission because the body’s immune system is suppressed in order to protect the fetus, but the condition worsens again after delivery. Many of the normal changes during pregnancy are similar to the clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as fear of heat and excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat, making it difficult to diagnose hyperthyroidism during this period. If you have a heartbeat of more than 100 beats per minute and lose weight during pregnancy, it is important to go to the hospital to rule out hyperthyroidism. Treatment of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy In contrast to hypothyroidism, the treatment of hyperthyroidism aims to reduce the level of thyroid hormones in the patient’s serum. Antithyroid drugs can be applied during pregnancy, but in the smallest possible dosage. If the patient is allergic to the medication or the dose of the treatment is too high, which may impair the thyroid function of the fetus, surgical removal of part of the thyroid gland may be considered. The timing of surgery should be chosen in the middle of the ring pregnancy, when the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor is lowest. Another common treatment for hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine therapy, is usually contraindicated in pregnant women because of the damage it can cause to the fetus. After childbirth After childbirth, women with thyroid dysfunction may experience a recurrence or worsening of the condition. About 7% will develop inflammation of the thyroid gland within a year of delivery. This causes mild thyroid abnormalities that last for one or two months and may be associated with postpartum depression. If you have just had a baby and the fatigue persists for several months, you should seek medical attention to rule out abnormal thyroid function.