05 Aug Thyroid Disorders and Fertility/Pregnancies

Hypothyroidism (inadequate thyroid hormone production) & Impact on pregnancy

Women with thyroid disorders often have reduced fertility and require treatment for it.

The pregnancy outcomes are often suboptimal and poor if conception occurs in women with poorly treated or untreated thyroid disorders.

If not properly treated thyroid problems can lead to miscarriages, reduced fetal growth , increased incidence of preeclampsia (High blood pressure due to pregnancy), bleeding problems in pregnancy, preterm labour and stillbirths in severe cases.

The developing fetus (unborn baby) is completely dependent on mother to supply it with thyroid hormones in 1st trimester and women withinadequate thyroid hormone production are not able to supply sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones to their developing baby. This can adversely affect the baby’s brain and nervous system development leading to poor mental development in many of these babies. Hence, it is important that women planning to conceive should see an obstetrician for counselling and get their thyroid function checked and optimised before getting pregnant.