The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is wrapped around the windpipe at the front of the neck. Like every other gland in the human body, thyroids produce hormones that are responsible for a specific function in the body. In the case of the thyroid, it produces hormones that are responsible for controlling the metabolic rate of the body by monitoring digestive, heart and muscle functions in the body.
The thyroid gland produces optimal hormones to keep the body running at an optimal rate. Thyroid disease is a medical condition where the thyroid fails to produce the right amount of these hormones and as result impact the normal functioning of the body leading to a variety of problems. The impact of his thyroid disease in pregnancy is even more given the sensitive nature of the health of the women during this stage.
In this blog today we are going to discuss the case of thyroid in pregnancy – its types, symptoms and complications with the help of the best gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri.
Role of Thyroid during Pregnancy:
Thyroid hormones are essential for the essential for normal development of the baby’s nervous system and brain. The babies do not produce hormones on their own for the first 3 months of the pregnancy, even post the first trimester, the hormones produced by the baby are not adequate and so the mother’s hormones which reach the baby through the placenta does a job for them.
Types of Thyroid Diseases in Pregnancy:
Naturally, thyroid disorders during pregnancy do have an impact on the health of both the baby and mother and they depend on the type of thyroid disease. The thyroid gland may produce excess hormones than required leading to Hyperthyroidism or may produce less than the required amount of hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism. Read on to know more about them.
Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy:
Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is usually caused due to Graves’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that propels the thyroid to produce more hormone than necessary. Faster and irregular heartbeat, unnatural weight loss and shaky hands are common signs of hyperthyroidism.
When left untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to miscarriage, preeclampsia, low birth weight, premature birth, and even heart failure in the rare case, says one of the leading gynaecologists in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri.
Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy:
Underactive thyroid that produces sin adequate amount of thyroid hormones leads to hypothyroidism. This thyroid disorder in pregnancy is more common when common to hyperthyroidism and is usually a result of Hashimoto’s disease which occurs in 2 to 3% of pregnancy cases.
Muscle cramps, tiredness, trouble with cold, constipation, cognitive problems (memory and concentration) are some of the common problems associated with hypothyroidism. When left untreated hypothyroidism in pregnancy can also lead to stillbirth, lower birth weight, miscarriage, anaemia and preeclampsia.
As said, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism need immediate treatment from expert gynaecologists to reduce the risk and eliminate the possibility of the disease to the new-born. If you are living in and around Mumbai and are looking for treatment for thyroid in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri is one of the best gynaecologists in Mumbai who can quickly assess and provide you with the right treatment for thyroid diseases. Dr Neelima Mantri is also now available for online teleconsultation here: +91 7045115577