I have goiter, can I get pregnant?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Associate Professor, Doctor, Doctor Hoang Dang Mich - Head of Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.
During pregnancy, if the mother has goiter, it will more or less affect the fetus. However, do not worry too much, but find out how you can protect your pregnancy.

1. What is goiter?

Goiter, also known as thyroid goiter, is one of the most common thyroid endocrine disorders in Vietnam today. Goiter includes many types such as: benign, Graves, cancer, thyroiditis ... which change thyroid function and lead to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in patients.
There are many causes of goiter such as:
Iodine deficiency Due to the use of drugs or fast food by the patient Congenital or autoimmune disease Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or lactation . When suffering from a goiter, patients often have signs of weight loss, neck swelling, insomnia, weight gain, hair loss, hand tremors, nervousness, sweating... New tests can pinpoint this disease.

2. Does female goiter affect fertility?

There are many people who worry about whether they have goiter, thyroid disease, should they become pregnant or not and fear that if they become pregnant, it will affect the baby. In fact, goiter does not cause infertility in women, but if it is hypothyroid or hyperthyroid, it will cause menstrual disorders and affect the ability to get pregnant in women. .

With the question of whether you can get pregnant with thyroid gland, the answer is yes, women with simple goiter can still have a normal pregnancy, however, in the case of pregnant women who have goiter and have goiter. Hyperthyroidism will face a high risk of miscarriage, the child born is also at risk of hyperthyroidism like the mother and especially may appear acute attacks of thyrotoxicosis at birth and is dangerous to the life of both mother and child. child. In case of goiter with hypothyroidism, there is a risk that the baby will be born with mental and physical retardation.
If a patient with goiter has hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which has been cured and has no complications, it is still possible to have a normal pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant and have Graves' disease or goiter with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, you need to have regular monitoring by a specialist. Currently, there are a number of antithyroid drugs that can still be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women, basically if used in a suitable dose, it will still be safe for both mother and fetus. However, how to use the drug, how the dose should be prescribed by a doctor, pregnant women absolutely cannot buy drugs to treat at home.

3. When you have goiter, what will pregnancy be like?

Women with goiter can have a normal pregnancy, but conception will also be difficult because of menstrual disorders and other functions in the genitals.
For women with goiter, it is recommended to wait 3 months after the treatment is completely cured before conceiving. This will help ensure the safety of the mother's health and the development of the fetus. However, if you become pregnant during the treatment period, you must be regularly monitored by a specialist to have the best care plan for the fetus in the womb.

4. Where is the reputable place for goiter treatment?

According to statistics in Vietnam, the rate of women suffering from goiter is 5 times higher than that of men, especially women aged 36 - 55. Therefore, women of childbearing age if suspected of having the disease. If you have thyroid disease in general and goiter in particular, you should check and screen for goiter at reputable and quality medical facilities.
Specialist in Endocrinology - Diabetes, Vinmec Times City International Hospital is the address for examination and treatment of Endocrine diseases such as pituitary, thyroid, adrenal and diabetes diseases.

The specialist always works closely with the IVF Center - Obstetrics and Gynecology in the management of patients with thyroid disease during pregnancy, gestational diabetes and always applies new techniques in disease treatment such as: : Research and application of stem cell technology in the treatment of diabetes; Treatment of benign thyroid nodules by radiofrequency ablation (avoiding BMN surgery for thyroid nodules).
The internal specialties of the Department of Internal Medicine have affirmed their reputation when they have spacious facilities, with clinics that meet 5-star hospital standards; modern equipment with biochemistry machines meeting ISO standards,... the most modern X-ray, ultrasound, CT scanner, MRI machines; Inpatient treatment area with 5-star standard, along with a team of specialists with many years of experience.
Associate Professor. Dr. Hoang Dang Mich has over 42 years of medical practice, has strengths in the specialized fields of Liver - Kidney - Immune pathology... Currently, he is a Specialist Consultant in General Internal Medicine Department of Examination. Medicine & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital

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