Nothing beats the feeling of bringing a new life into the world. However, when a woman is expecting, she has a responsibility to take precautions to ensure the health of her unborn child. Unfortunately, many expecting mothers struggle with thyroid problems, or thyroid can affect pregnancy.
According to Ayurveda, the thyroid gland is regulated by the pitta dosha, and an imbalance of the pitta dosha can cause thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, a healthy diet and lifestyle that encourages the balancing of pitta dosha are recommended for pregnant women with a thyroid imbalance.
What are thyroid symptoms during pregnancy? Does thyroid go away? How to cure thyroid during pregnancy be beneficial? Can thyroid during pregnancy diet? Keep reading!
What Is The Function Of The Thyroid During Pregnancy?
The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland (the largest gland in our body) is located in the neck (which regulates metabolism). Hormone levels fluctuate during pregnancy, which might affect thyroid function. Thyroid hormones regulate a woman's metabolism and fetus growth, and these hormone changes can impact their production and release. However, some women may develop thyroid abnormalities, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which can impact both the mother's and the child's health.
Normal Thyroid Levels During Pregnancy
Thyroid hormones control metabolism, brain growth, and bone health. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), two thyroid hormones, regulate metabolism through regulating energy utilization. Thyroid hormones vary during pregnancy. The following ranges, however, are considered normal for the majority of pregnant women:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): A normal TSH level during pregnancy is generally considered to be between 0.1 and 2.5 mIU/L.
- Free thyroxine (FT4): A normal FT4 level during pregnancy is considered to be between 0.9 and 1.9 ng/dL.
- Free triiodothyronine (FT3): A normal FT3 level during pregnancy is considered to be between 2.3 and 4.2 pg/mL.
If TSH levels are above 2.5 mIU/L and FT4 levels are low, it indicates an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism.
If TSH levels are low and FT4 levels are high, it indicates an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism.
The typical range for thyroid levels during pregnancy may vary as the pregnancy proceeds, and these values may differ between laboratories. Again, your doctor can provide you with more detailed information.
Thyroid Symptoms In Pregnancy
During pregnancy, thyroid symptoms can vary depending on the following:
- Fatigue
- Excessive weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Depression
Common hyperthyroidism symptoms during pregnancy include:
- Increased heart rate
- Tremors
- Anxiety or irritation
- Intolerance to heat
- Weight - loss
- excessive sweating
Note that these symptoms may be similar to other disorders, so see a doctor for a complete diagnosis.
Abnormally High Thyroid During Pregnancy
The condition known as "high thyroid" (hyperthyroidism) occurs when the thyroid gland generates an abnormally high amount of thyroid hormone. Several factors can contribute to this, including the autoimmune condition Graves' disease, which affects the thyroid.
Having a high thyroid during pregnancy can have severe repercussions for both the mother and the child, including:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Premature delivery pregnancy and low birthweight risk
- Difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels
- Increased risk of miscarriage
Thyroid hormone-regulating medicine is used to treat excessive thyroid during pregnancy. Radioactive iodine treatment may also be prescribed. However, it is not always safe during pregnancy.
Thyroid issues during pregnancy can harm both mother and child, so early detection and treatment are important.
Influencing Factor On The Thyroid During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, several factors can impact thyroid function, including:
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy hormones can affect the way the thyroid gland functions.
- Autoimmune disorders: Pregnancy can cause or worsen autoimmune illnesses, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which can impair thyroid function.
- Iodine deficiency: The synthesis of thyroid hormones requires iodine. Therefore, iodine deficiency during pregnancy might result in hypothyroidism.
- History of Thyroid Disorders: Women with a prior history of thyroid issues are more prone to develop thyroid issues during pregnancy.
- Family history: A family history of thyroid problems increases the probability of thyroid issues during pregnancy.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as lithium, can impair thyroid function during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should have routine thyroid function tests and discuss any concerns with their doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid issues during pregnancy can aid in promoting a healthy pregnancy and infant.
Pregnancy And Thyroid: Treatment And Self-Care
How to cure thyroid during pregnancy? How to control thyroid during pregnancy? Pregnancy and the baby can benefit from treating thyroid problems with the correct medication and lifestyle changes.
The following natural remedies may help you deal with thyroid during pregnancy:
1. Eating A Well-Balanced Diet
- Have healthy, timely meals. Choose wholesome, home-cooked meals over processed foods. Maintaining a healthy metabolism requires eating at regular intervals. Ensure that fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed before consumption.
- Pick nutritious vegetables and grains. Magnesium, which is present in leafy greens like spinach, fenugreek, and lettuce, is beneficial to the thyroid. It would be best if you consumed them daily. Hypothyroidism-related constipation seems to worsen during pregnancy. If you're having digestive issues, try eating more whole grains.
- Consuming iodine-rich foods like seaweed and dairy products can help promote thyroid function.
- Consuming nuts like cashews, almonds, and walnuts can help your thyroid function better because they contain a lot of magnesium and protein.
- Strawberries and blueberries, for example, both have high levels of antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.
- Get enough Vitamin D. Bone loss is a common sign of hypothyroidism. Foods high in vitamin D and calcium can effectively prevent bone loss.
- Do your best to steer clear of anything that can interfere with your thyroid. For example, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflowers are goitrogens or foods that have been shown to inhibit the thyroid. Avoiding soy is also recommended for those with iodine deficiency.
2. Herbs
Some herbs, whether taken as teas or supplements, are considered to benefit the thyroid gland. Natural remedies for thyroid during pregnancy include:
- Ashwagandha: According to traditional medicine, this herb can help control thyroid imbalance symptoms and support the health of the thyroid gland.
- Brahmi: This herb may help relieve stress-related thyroid issues by soothing the mind and body.
- Guggulu: This herb is believed to have a balancing effect on the thyroid gland and may aid in managing symptoms associated with thyroid imbalances.
- Triphala: This herb may help promote the health of the thyroid gland and is believed to have a balanced impact on the endocrine system.
- Shankhapushpi: This herb has been shown to have beneficial effects on the endocrine system and may even promote healthy thyroid function.
- Licorice: A healthy thyroid may benefit from this herb's potential to regulate the body's hormonal system.
The medicinal advantages of these herbs should not be mistaken for the diagnosis or treatment prescribed by a medical professional.
3. Being Active Physically
Regular exercise has many health benefits, including promoting weight loss, improving vitality, and minimizing the risk of thyroid dysfunction. However, before beginning any new physical activity during pregnancy, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider.
4. Getting Adequate Sleep
Sleep is essential for overall health, including thyroid function. Therefore, stick to a regular sleep schedule of 7 to 9 hours per night.
5. Avoiding Toxic Exposure
Toxins, such as cigarette smoke and some chemicals, can negatively impact the health of the thyroid gland. To maintain thyroid health, avoid these toxins wherever possible.
6. Dealing With Stress
Excessive stress can have adverse effects on the thyroid gland. Thus, it's crucial to learn effective stress management techniques when pregnant. To do so, try yoga or some other form of physical activity, deep breathing exercises, or any other method you find helpful in relieving stress.
Point To Be Noted: Thyroid During Pregnancy
- The specific treatment approach will depend on the situation and severity of the individual woman's thyroid disorder.
- Some of these home treatments may help, but they are in no way meant to replace professional medical care or advice from a physician.
- Medication and lifestyle modifications are effective treatments for thyroid during pregnancy. In certain cases, surgery may be required.
- Pregnant women should consult a healthcare expert for a proper thyroid evaluation and treatment plan.
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In addition to drinking Namhya Thyroid tea, pregnant and trying-to-conceive women should eat a good diet, exercise regularly, and learn to manage their stress levels. This can benefit the mother and baby during and after pregnancy. To buy Namhya Thyroid Care Tea, click here.
Have questions about using this tea? Please feel free to get in touch with us. Namhya provides complimentary consultations for Thyroid Care Tea.
