HYPOTHYROIDISM AND PREGNANCY

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of thyroid gland where the thyroid secrets less than the required thyroid hormones.

A woman with too low thyroid hormones levels may not ovulate normally, which makes conception difficult. Right dose of thyroxine (T₄) can get ovulation back on track and restore fertility of the female.  In some ladies menstrual cycle does not cause any concern still it is necessary to get thyroid levels checked, if thyroid levels are too low then it is recommended to correct the level of thyroxine before one try to conceive. 

There is an increase in serum free T4 (thyroxine) and a decrease in serum TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels in early pregnancy. An increased level of free T4 and a reduced level of TSH in early normal pregnancy are not indications of hyperthyroid but in a hypothyroid pregnant woman a fresh estimation of thyroid hormones is a must as a well managed hypothyroid does not have a significant effect on pregnancy. Thyroxine is needed for the development of baby's brain in womb. It easily crosses the placenta, the organ which provides nutrients for the fetus and takes away waste during pregnancy.

During pregnancy need for thyroxine is increased by 50 to 100% which is manageable. Beside the baby needs it for brain development it helps mother’s body to adapt to the changes of pregnancy, especially in the first twelve weeks. Maternal hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid increases the risk of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage, premature birth, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia, as well as deficits of intellectual development in the children as lower IQs and learning problems, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Therefore thyroid levels in blood should be monitored throughout the pregnancy to maintain the correct level of thyroxine.

The increased free T4 and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and decreased TSH are correlated with the severity of morning sickness. If morning sickness is severe changing the time of taking thyroxine tablets is recommended, for this consult the treating physician.

The thyroid functions of all babies should be checked when they are about nine days old. Depending on the cause of underactive thyroid the baby may need to have some additional tests of thyroid function after birth. 

The most frequent cause of the inability of the maternal thyroid to produce enough thyroxine is an inadequate supply of iodine. This micronutrient is a necessary component of thyroid hormone. Its need with the onset of pregnancy is almost doubled than needed by children and non-pregnant adults. "Intellectual impairments of many children could be easily prevented by promoting the use of iodine supplements taken before, throughout pregnancy and lactation," 

Homoeopathy though has no specific medicine to maintain the levels of thyroid hormones but homoeopathic treatment could be continued during pregnancy with time to time evaluation of thyroid function and regulation of the hormone supplements added with the iodine.

However, well regulated homoeopathic treatment can resolve hypothyroidism permanently. Some of indicated medicines are as follow –

Alumina, argentum-nit., bacillus-7, calcarea carb., calcarea-iod., conium, cortisonum, gelsemium, graphite, histaminum, hypothalamus, Iodium,. kali-carb, kali-iod., lycopodium, merc. sol., natrum-m., nux-vom., penicillinum, ribonucleic-ac., sepia, thalamus, thyroidinum.

Dr. M. K. Tyagi
D.H.M.S., Dip. N.I.H.Research Officer 
Sewa Mandir
Mobile" 09829157926
Email: 1.sewamandir@usa.net, 2.manju_mkt2003@yahoo.co.in