Effects of hyperthyroidism on mother and fetus

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with General Internal Medicine Doctor - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
During pregnancy, the hormone HCG is produced and peaks around 12 weeks after pregnancy. This will slightly stimulate the thyroid gland, while also causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

1. What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive, increasing the production of thyroid hormone, causing metabolic disorders of the body.

2. Causes of Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the hormone HCG is produced and peaks around 12 weeks after pregnancy. This will slightly stimulate the thyroid gland, while also causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The hormone HCG is also the cause of nausea, in women carrying multiples, the concentration of HCG is even higher and the symptoms are more pronounced. Up to 10-20% of pregnant women experience these symptoms, but most do not need treatment.
Women with severe morning sickness may have mild symptoms of hyperthyroidism. However, these symptoms usually go away after the first trimester.
In addition to the above causes, hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can also be caused by the following:
Immune disorders, for example, Graves' disease has the ability to cause the thyroid gland to produce too much hormone. Having a family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune disease may increase your chances of developing hyperthyroidism during pregnancy. Certain medications, such as those that help the heart beat normally, can cause hyperthyroidism during pregnancy. Infection near the thyroid gland. Other thyroid problems: An enlarged thyroid gland, swelling caused by an infection or thyroid cancer can affect how the thyroid gland works. High iodine levels can cause hyperthyroidism.

3. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy

The following are the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
Weight loss or not gaining weight as expected, frequent cravings, diarrhea or constipation Increased heart rate and rapid breathing, even at normal rest Increased sweating and poor heat tolerance. Large thyroid gland, protruding eyes. Anxiety, restlessness, or fatigue or trouble sleeping. Hand tremors and muscle weakness. High blood pressure, headaches, nausea and blurred vision Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can resemble many other illnesses. Therefore, go to a medical facility to know the exact cause.

4. The risks of hyperthyroidism for pregnant women

The disease can begin to occur during the first 3 months of pregnancy or in women who have had it before. In addition to the typical symptoms, a pregnant woman may have a premature birth or develop preeclampsia. In addition, the mother is also at high risk of heart failure, or acute thyrotoxicosis. The disease is likely to improve in the last 3 months of pregnancy or may also become worse in the postpartum period.

5. The risks of hyperthyroidism to the fetus

If hyperthyroidism is not well controlled, it can lead to congenital heart defects, retarded fetal growth, premature birth, stillbirth, and possibly birth defects. This is why it is so important to treat hyperthyroidism in pregnant women.
TSI (thyroid stimulating hormone) too high: can adversely affect the thyroid gland of the fetus, causing hyperthyroidism in the newborn.
Synthetic antithyroid drugs: 2 drugs: Methimazol (Thyrozol), PTU used to treat current primary hyperthyroidism, can cross the placenta and directly affect thyroid function, will cause fetal goiter. pediatric.

Thus, the impact of hyperthyroidism on the mother and fetus is extremely large, so it is very important to diagnose and screen for thyroid disease in pregnant women at the earliest age. Diabetes under the Department of General Internal Medicine - Vinmec International General Hospital has the function of examining, diagnosing and treating Endocrine diseases: pituitary - thyroid - adrenal gland diseases and diabetes.
The specialist works closely with the IVF Center - Obstetrics Department in the management of patients with thyroid disease during pregnancy, gestational diabetes. In addition, the specialist applies new techniques in disease treatment such as: treatment of benign thyroid nodules with high-frequency ablation (avoiding surgery for thyroid nodules).

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