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What exactly is Hashimoto’s? It is an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism in most cases. Untreated Hashimoto’s disease in pregnancy can cause irreversible changes in the development of the fetus and can even lead to miscarriage or premature birth. What should you know about the disease when planning a pregnancy?
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune thyroiditis, most often caused by a malfunction of the immune system. Unfortunately, it is a chronic disease characterized by the fact that the body produces a lot of antibodies that damage the thyroid gland. In addition, the production of T3 and T4 hormones is stopped, which results in hypothyroidism.
The diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease usually begins with a complete set of diagnostic tests. The scope and price of the tests can be checked by clicking on the button below:
Hashimoto and pregnancy – what is a hashimoto?
In the course of the disease, anti-thyroid antibodies are found. In the initial stage, hyperthyroidism occurs, and if the disease is already in an advanced stage, the patient is diagnosed with irreversible hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease does not cause clinical symptoms, if they appear, they are associated with hypothyroidism or join other symptoms of autoimmune diseases. What about hashimoto and pregnancy?
Unfortunately, women who have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s may have a problem with getting pregnant because, for example, they suffer from irregular periods, which of course results in a problem with marking the fertile days. Hashimoto’s, and pregnancy are also other disorders of the immune system that does not work properly, and this leads, for example, to rejection of the embryo. However, the situation of women diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and planning a pregnancy is not a dead end, as there are cases in which, despite the disease, a woman becomes pregnant and maintains it. Hashimoto’s disease does not exclude the chance of having a healthy baby either.
Hashimoto’s, and pregnancy primarily means taking medications regularly, it is under the constant control of a specialist, not only by a gynecologist, but also by an endocrinologist. The first trimester is the most important when shaping of the most important organs in the child’s body takes place, so it is then necessary to balance the thyroid hormones. Systematic tests of the level of TSH hormones are necessary.
What symptoms are symptoms of the disease?
- somnolence
- trouble concentrating
- weight problems – gaining weight despite diet
- skin trouble – dry skin
- hair loss, hair breakage
- mood swings, tendency to be depressed
- high cholesterol
- feeling of constant fatigue and weakness
- stomach pains
- arthralgia
- constipation, diarrhea
Hashimoto’s and pregnancy – complications
Unfortunately, Hashimoto’s, and pregnancy is a high risk, over 3,5%, of miscarriage. Unbalanced levels of TSH, FT3 and FT4 can cause serious complications in the development of the fetus.
- low birth weight of the child
- miscarriage
- premature birth
- mental retardation in a child
- increased risk of death of the child
- respiratory disorders in a child
- preeclampsia
- bearing rupture
- postpartum hemorrhage
Of course, the disease does not exclude motherhood, but it is very important to balance the hormone results before a planned pregnancy, a healthy lifestyle is also very important, for example a proper diet that will enrich the body with vitamins and minerals necessary for the functioning. In the case of more serious disorders, the attending physician may order a systematic ultrasound of the thyroid gland.
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