Pregnancy is a beautiful experience that every woman wants to experience once. It is a rollercoaster ride with moments of joy and long waiting periods. As this is the most critical phase of a woman’s life, she faces many challenges and goes through many hormonal changes in her body, among which thyroid-related issues are found to be at high risk.
The thyroid is known to emerge as the second most prevalent condition among enduring endocrine disorders that impact women in their reproductive years. When left unaddressed during pregnancy, it escalates the likelihood of adverse outcomes such as placental abruption, miscarriage, growth restriction, and hypertensive disorders.
The thyroid appears to be a butterfly-shaped, small hormonal gland in your throat that regulates the human body’s growth, development, and metabolism.
It may come as a surprise to discover that conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are relatively prevalent during pregnancy. These ailments arise from an underactive thyroid gland, which produces a lower percentage of hormones than is typically expected within the body.
If that is not enough, the slow metabolism caused by the thyroid leads to unexpected weight changes, fatigue, and other related issues. Usually, these symptoms appear the same as those of ovulation disorder, making it extremely complicated to diagnose thyroid disease at an early stage.
Hence, it is extremely important to distinguish the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism from other hormonal changes in your body.
Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy
Symptoms associated with thyroid diseases sometimes appear as signs of a normal pregnancy. Most of the time, this issue goes undetected in the early stages of thyroid disease. So, to take precautions on time, you need to notice even minor changes thoroughly and have them addressed regularly with the help of a fertility expert. Some of the common signs that separate thyroid disorders from normal hormonal changes are:
- Constipation
- Muscle Cramps
- Trouble sleeping
- Memory problems
- Swelling on the face
- Sensitivity from cold temperature
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heightened nervousness
- Sleep disorder
- Hair and skin changes
So, if you have noticed these early signs and are not sure what to do and how to overcome the biggest obstacle arriving in the path of your successful pregnancy, don’t worry; with the help of detailed analysis and thorough research, we have curated a list of effective tips on how to control your thyroid during pregnancy.
Also, Read Effects of Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy
Effective tips to control thyroid during pregnancy
Medications
Thyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone closely resembling the naturally produced T4 hormone, is the recommended medication for managing hyperthyroidism.
Your fertility specialist will adjust the thyroxine dosage to ensure optimal bodily functions.
It’s important to note that thyroxine is medically approved, safe, and crucial for the well-being of the fetus when the mother experiences thyroid-related challenges.
Thyroid nurturing diet
The diet that you need to maintain to control your thyroid during your pregnancy is:
Coconut oil:
Instead of using medications to control thyroid levels, you can also opt for coconut oil to balance your TSH levels. The anti-inflammatory and stress-relief properties of coconut oil will help to remove extra cholesterol from your body while maintaining your body weight.
Include eggs and carrots:
Vitamin A plays a significant role in supporting the optimal functioning of the thyroid gland. Excellent sources of this essential nutrient include eggs, carrots, and pumpkins. However, consuming these foods within the recommended limits is advisable to mitigate potential risks.
Exclude Broccoli, Kale, and Cabbage
In cases of elevated TSH levels, limiting the consumption of cabbage, kale, and broccoli is advisable. These vegetables can affect the utilization of iodine by the thyroid gland, leading to insufficient hormone production and potential complications related to hypothyroidism and compromised gland functioning. Reducing your intake of these specific foods can help maintain a healthier thyroid balance.
Primrose Oil
If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, use primrose oil. It helps increase the amount of thyroid hormone, balance your menstrual cycle, and aid in hair loss as a natural remedy.
Herbal Tea
Fertility experts advise avoiding caffeine-laden beverages such as tea, coffee, and soft drinks and drinking cinnamon, ginger, or herbal tea instead to provide enough nutrition for your thyroid gland to function properly.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar aids in controlling the production of those hormones that help alkalize the body while improving metabolism.
Almonds
Packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals, Almonds play a role in regulating thyroid function. Almonds are particularly rich in selenium, a nutrient known for its positive impact on thyroid health. Overall, Including almonds in your diet can be a beneficial strategy for managing hyperthyroidism.
Regular exercise
Besides making changes in your diet and opting for medications, it is also essential to include regular exercise in your day-to-day activities. However, it is suggested that you consult your fertility expert and follow only these exercises.
- Workout of the thyroid gland
- Leg lunges
- Squats
- One-leg lift
- Squats
- Brisk walk
- Bhujangasana
- Setu Bandhasana
Good lifestyle habits
Certain lifestyle adjustments can help control your thyroid levels, especially during pregnancy. The key factors that help control your thyroid are
- Stress management
- Adequate sleep
- Avoiding toxins
- Regular check-ups
Remember to consult your fertility doctor weekly to monitor your thyroid hormone levels.
In certain circumstances, making specific lifestyle changes won’t help. In that case, you should know these thyroid hormones affect your baby’s health in the womb.
Does the thyroid during pregnancy affect the baby?
This is a common question pregnant women ask to monitor their babies’ health: does their thyroid affect the life in their womb?
The fetus’s condition during the initial pregnancy depends on the mother’s thyroid hormones. These hormones play a vital role as they facilitate a baby’s brain development. The lack of adequate thyroid hormone can hurt the fetus.
Research says that hypothyroidism in the mother results in the birth of a low-IQ baby; not only that, it also increases the risk of psychomotor development in the baby.
Moreover, pregnant women suffering from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are at risk of losing their pregnancy.
Generally, this condition affects the normal function of the thyroid gland, and if diagnosed and treated at the right time, the baby in the womb can easily be protected from all types of harmful effects.
However, in most cases, women suffering from thyroid fail to conceive naturally. In that condition, it is best to consult a fertility expert.
To Read in Hindi visit – Does thyroid affect baby during pregnancy in Hindi?
What to do to achieve a successful pregnancy while suffering from thyroid disease?
If you are trying to conceive and are facing too many complications due to thyroid disease or any other health issue, it is best to reach out to a top-notch fertility expert at Crysta IVF, the best IVF center in Kanpur.
Here, the fertility expert and their staff will study your case through a personalized approach and recommend the most popular assistive reproductive technology to solve all your fertility challenges.
From entering Crysta IVF to carrying a healthy child in your arms, Crysta IVF will be there for you in each passing phase of a healthy pregnancy. So, relive your dream parenthood journey with Crysta IVF today!
