Pregnant momma’s the fall crisp air is upon us and with that comes changes in body temperature, lack of energy, as well as weight gain. Although these changes are all symptoms of pregnancy, could it be more? A women’s body experiences many changes and fluctuations as they age which can lead to many not realizing that they could be experiencing symptoms of a thyroid disorder.

The thyroid is apart of your endocrine system which is made up of a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces, stores, and releases hormones into your bloodstream. Thyroid disease is also the second most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age and are categorized into two main types of thyroid conditions.

1.  Hyperthyroidism (“hyper” means there is too much). This occurs when the thyroid is overactive and produces too much of the thyroid hormone that causes your body to speed up the way energy is used. The autoimmune disorder known as Grave’s disease is usually the cause of developing Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy. In rare cases hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy) has been linked to hyperthyroidism.

Untreated signs & symptoms of hyperthyroidism that affect pregnant women include:

• Preeclampsia

• Pulmonary hypertension

• Placental abruption

• Heart failure

• Thyroid storm

Untreated signs & symptoms of hyperthyroidism that affect the baby include:

• Premature birth

• Low birth weight

• Developing thyroid disorders if mother has Graves disease during pregnancy

• Miscarriage or stillbirth

2.  Hypothyroidism (“hypo” means there is not enough). When the thyroid is under active and does not produce enough thyroid hormones; it causes your body functions to slow down. Another autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s disease is usually the cause of hypothyroidism. The ability to produce thyroid hormones is damaged as your immune system makes antibodies that attack your thyroid due to Hashimoto’s disease.

Signs & symptoms of hypothyroidism that affect pregnant women include:

• Anemia

• Gestational hypertension

• Preeclampsia

• Placental abruption

• Postpartum hemorrhage

Untreated signs & symptoms of hypothyroidism that affect the baby include

• Low birth weight

• Problems with growth, brain, & nervous system development

• Developing thyroid disorders if mother has Hashimoto’s disease during pregnancy

• Miscarriage or stillbirth

Although both of these conditions can occur prior or during pregnancy, in rare circumstances mothers can also experience what is known as Postpartum Thyroiditis. This condition can go often unnoticed and mistaken as the stress of having a newborn and mood fluctuations. The exact cause is not known but mothers who experience postpartum thyroiditis most likely have developed an underlying autoimmune thyroid condition. It is always important to stop and listen to your body momma’s. If you are diagnosed with a thyroid disorder or have a family history of thyroid disorders please do reach out to your family doctor/ maternal health team for further education and guidance.

Hope you all have a fantastic week!

Sadhna :)