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Pregnancy can cause changes in the thyroid function. This gland plays a critical role in regulating metabolism and hormone production, both of which influence a healthy pregnancy and fetal development. Therefore, thyroid testing during pregnancy is a must to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.
Key Takeaways-Thyroid testing ensures early detection and management of any potential thyroid problems that may impact maternal health and fetal development.Thyroid disorders can cause preeclampsia, premature birth, and cognitive problems in the fetus, among other health consequences. You can take thyroid blood tests as part of your prenatal monitoring, especially when symptoms of thyroid disorders are present. |
Thyroid testing is a standard test that helps doctors gauge the overall health of your thyroid gland. This butterfly-shaped organ is positioned in your neck and regulates critical body functions like metabolism and hormone regulation.
The laboratory procedure includes thyroid blood testing to assess the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T4 (thyroxine), T3 (triiodothyronine), and thyroid antibodies. In some cases, imaging tests are requested to have a visual analysis of the organ’s form or physical abnormalities. These include thyroid scans and ultrasounds.
Also Read: Understanding Thyroid Hormones: What Is the Difference Between T3 and T4?
For pregnant women, thyroid testing is often included in their prenatal checkups to ensure hormone levels are within the normal range. In addition, thyroid disorders become common during pregnancy. The most prevalent of which is hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), affecting 3-5% of pregnant mothers(1).
Ensuring your hormone levels are regularly assessed adds a layer of protection against the consequences of these conditions. Thyroid blood tests, for instance, allow your doctor to uncover these abnormalities and prescribe the appropriate medical intervention to protect your health and your baby’s.
Moreover, those with existing thyroid disorders must continue to monitor their thyroid hormones when pregnant, as the fluctuations may become intense. It’s imperative to divulge any existing thyroid issues so your doctor can closely monitor critical changes.
During pregnancy, the adverse impact of thyroid disorders becomes exponential as it extends to fetal growth and your overall experience throughout the trimester. Thus, thyroid testing is necessary to prevent any lasting damage and the known consequences of thyroid disorders, such as premature birth and fetal complications.
Testing for thyroid hormones, especially TSH, is also often included in routine or annual checkups due to its relevance in maintaining general health and wellness. Thyroid problems may influence cardiovascular risks(2), mental health(3), and even hair loss(4). These may exacerbate during pregnancy.
There are two types of common thyroid problems: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland produces less hormones or has less activity. Meanwhile, hyperthyroidism involves an overactive thyroid that secretes excessive hormones. Both disorders may hinder a healthy pregnancy and fetal development(5).
Pregnant women may have varied experiences as to the general symptoms influenced by hormonal changes. The same can be said when it comes to thyroid problems. However, the impact of untreated or unmanaged health issues with this organ can be a common ground. These often include the following:
Hyperthyroidism:
A critical factor in the magnification of these consequences is the lack of detection and proper management. Fortunately, regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can help mitigate these risks and conditions.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that are essential for the baby’s brain development(6) and overall health. Thus, abnormalities in its function can significantly dictate the outcome of fetal growth. Specifically, failure to address thyroid problems may lead to the following:
The fact that thyroid disorders can have a direct influence on fetal development makes it more significant for women to undergo thyroid testing during pregnancy. This is especially true since many symptoms of thyroid dysfunction can mimic common pregnancy symptoms, making them easily overlooked.
Many doctors will include a thyroid test as part of routine prenatal screening, especially if you have risk factors like family history, autoimmune disease, or symptoms of thyroid problems.
Your first visit should be scheduled during your first trimester. Remember, this is when fetal brain development begins. Thus, if you miss any critical thyroid disorder, it may impact the baby’s cognition.
If you have a known thyroid disorder (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), your doctor will likely monitor your thyroid levels every 4-6 weeks, especially in the first half of the pregnancy, to adjust medication as needed.
Monitoring your thyroid levels during prenatal checkups is the first step to controlling it. If your obstetrician diagnoses thyroid overactivity or underactivity, you’ll likely be prescribed medication to address the condition.
For instance, levothyroxine is often recommended for women with hypothyroidism. Your doctor may align the dosage throughout your pregnancy as your hormone levels fluctuate.
Berries, especially strawberries and blueberries, are the top recommended fruits for thyroid health during pregnancy. This is due to their rich levels of antioxidants that protect the thyroid from damage from oxidative stress. Other fruits to include in your diet are bananas, apples, and citrus, which strengthen your immune system.
The type of food you should avoid if you have thyroid issues depends on the condition that impairs the organ’s function.
For example, if the problem has something to do with iodine uptake, stir clear from foods that inhibit its absorption, like soy, raw broccoli, and highly processed foods (e.g., cured meat, sugary drinks, potato chips). Ask your doctor regarding the specific foods to avoid for a more personalized approach to your diet.
Taking a thyroid test is one of the steps you can ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy and that your baby’s development remains unhindered. Pay attention to any symptoms related to thyroid disorders and don’t hesitate to talk to your obstetrician about concerns related to these conditions. Additionally, make sure your diet has the necessary nutrients required to keep a healthy thyroid function.
1 Abadi KK, Jama AH, Legesse AY, Gebremichael AK. Prevalence of Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy and Its Associations with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Among Pregnant Women in A General Hospital: A Cross Sectional Study. Int J Womens Health. 2023 Oct 3;15:1481-1490. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S429611. PMID: 37810201; PMCID: PMC10559790.
2 Paschou SA, Bletsa E, Stampouloglou PK, Tsigkou V, Valatsou A, Stefanaki K, Kazakou P, Spartalis M, Spartalis E, Oikonomou E, Siasos G. Thyroid disorders and cardiovascular manifestations: an update. Endocrine. 2022 Mar;75(3):672-683. doi: 10.1007/s12020-022-02982-4. Epub 2022 Jan 15. PMID: 35032315.
3 Lekurwale V, Acharya S, Shukla S, Kumar S. Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Thyroid Diseases. Cureus. 2023 Jan 20;15(1):e33987. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33987. PMID: 36811059; PMCID: PMC9938951.
4 Hussein RS, Atia T, Bin Dayel S. Impact of Thyroid Dysfunction on Hair Disorders. Cureus. 2023 Aug 10;15(8):e43266. doi: 10.7759/cureus.43266. PMID: 37692605; PMCID: PMC10492440.
5 Joshi JS, Shanoo A, Patel N, Gupta A. From Conception to Delivery: A Comprehensive Review of Thyroid Disorders and Their Far-Reaching Impact on Feto-Maternal Health. Cureus. 2024 Feb 1;16(2):e53362. doi: 10.7759/cureus.53362. PMID: 38435202; PMCID: PMC10907906.
6 Bernal J. Thyroid Hormones in Brain Development and Function. [Updated 2022 Jan 14]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285549/
7 Soto J, Weissglas B, von Plessing-Pierry G, Del Solar MP, Peña-Villa C, Flores X, Arancibia M, Campos L. Fetal Hyperthyroidism Secondary to Maternal Basedow-Graves’ Disease. AJP Rep. 2024 May 31;14(2):e176-e183. doi: 10.1055/a-2317-9431. PMID: 38827649; PMCID: PMC11142847.