You did it! You are pregnant. But, is the constant thought of being affected by Thyroid can run havoc on the happiness of being a mom. One of the first things you’ll be advised to do when you visit a gynecologist is to take a TSH test. TSH is a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, and is really only a simple blood sample test that measures the amount of TSH in your blood. It is performed to rule out possibilities of hypo or hyperthyroidism (a result of either too little or too much thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland in the body). If your doctor isn’t convinced with the results of the tests, they might then order T4 and T3 tests to look at the specific levels of each hormone.
So, why perform the test in the first place, you ask? Thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, also called T4, helps regulate growth and metabolism. Being pregnant can be a stress test for the thyroid which must release an increased amount of hormones. If not detected early, a thyroid disorder can potentially affect fetal growth and development. It is also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, hypertension in pregnancy, preterm births, and maternal heart failure.”
This will lead you to wonder how you ended up with a case of thyroid problems when all along right up to pregnancy you were absolutely fine. The answer lies in your question. While there are several causes of thyroid disorders, pregnancy itself may be one of the major triggering factors because your body produces antibodies to its own thyroid gland.
Again, don’t panic. Based on test results, you will be administered medications that are safe for you and the baby, to replace the thyroid hormone you are lacking. From then on, your doctor may check your hormone levels every 2 to 3 months.
In addition, it helps if you take extra personal care for the well-being of your developing baby, and yourself.
- As much as you can, whenever you can.
- Keep away from stress-inducing situations, and people!
- Keep your weight under check. Eat a proper, balanced meal based on your doctor’s advice.
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed.
- It can be anything that will take your mind off this rigmarole for a while.
- Talk to people with similar experiences, but also remember that whatever happened with them need not necessarily happen with you.
- Spend time with your spouse. There’s nothing that a reassuring hug won’t cure.
Motherhood: all love begins and ends there. Which is why, all the pain, the anxiety, the fear, and the apprehension will melt away the minute you set your eyes on the tiny little being who will be the sole purpose of your life from here on now!
