What happens with hypothyroidism during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, there is an increased need of the thyroid hormone and iodine in the body. This increased need may not be met and may cause serious health problems. Pregnancy also makes your body, including the thyroid gland, work harder for both you and your growing baby. The health of women who get pregnant while having this condition may become worse. A past history of hypothyroidism or other thyroid problems may increase your chance of having it again during pregnancy. Having this condition while you are pregnant may put you at risk for any of the following: • Abortion (miscarriage). • Babies with birth defects or low birth weight. • Heart failure. • Preterm labor. This means that the baby is born earlier than the due date. • Pre-eclampsia. This is when you have hypertension (increased blood pressure), low platelet count, protein in the urine, and problems thinking. • Stillbirths or babies dying inside the womb. What are the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism during pregnancy? D
