Women who have hypothyroidism and wish to become pregnant face a particular set of challenges. Low thyroid function or uncontrolled hypothyroidism during pregnancy can cause:
- Anemia
- Miscarriage
- Preeclampsia
- Stillbirth
- Low birth weight
- Brain development problems in baby
- And other birth defects
Healthy women can also get hypothyroidism after pregnancy.
Some women who never had thyroid problems before they were pregnant, may develop hypothyroidism after having a baby. This is called postpartum thyroiditis. For many women, the condition resolves within 12 to 18 months, and medication is no longer required.
What to do when you are pregnant with hypothyroid?
If you have hypothyroidism and are pregnant, it’s important to take the following steps during the time you’re expecting.
Talk to your doctor about testing your hypothyroidism
Women can develop hypothyroidism while they’re pregnant. Some doctors routinely check thyroid levels during pregnancy to monitor for low…