How to Control Thyroid During Pregnancy?
Learn how to manage thyroid health during pregnancy. Explore symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and diet tips to ensure maternal and fetal well-being. Discover expert-recommended prevention and lifestyle strategies for optimal thyroid control.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
The thyroid gland is a small but vital endocrine organ that regulates metabolism and supports development. Its role becomes significantly more important during pregnancy. Thyroid hormones like triiodothyronine and thyroxine are essential for the mother and fetus, aiding in fetal brain development. Any disruption in their function can lead to severe complications.
This article focuses on thyroid management during pregnancy, including symptoms, tests, treatments, and complications.
Understanding Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy
Thyroid disorders during pregnancy can lead to significant health challenges for both the mother and the baby. Understanding these conditions and their potential effects is crucial for managing a healthy pregnancy.
Types of Thyroid Disorders
There are two significant categories of thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland does not secrete sufficient hormones for metabolism, leading to a slower metabolism. Conversely, hyperthyroidism is an over-functioning thyroid gland that produces excessive hormones and increases metabolic rate.
Other autoimmune diseases related to the thyroid may also appear. This includes Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, thus undermining its functionality. Some rare conditions include thyroid nodules and thyroid carcinoma, which should be managed by a specialist if diagnosed when the woman is pregnant.
Impact of Thyroid Disorders on Pregnancy
Thyroid disorders can significantly impact both maternal and fetal health. Early in pregnancy, the fetus depends entirely on maternal thyroid hormones, particularly for brain development. Untreated hypothyroidism can harm the nervous system and reduce the child’s cognitive and motor skills, as well as overall intelligence.
Hyperthyroidism poses risks such as preterm labour, low birth weight, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Unmonitored thyroid conditions may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or pregnancy complications. These risks can be mitigated through early prenatal care, regular antenatal checkups, and timely obstetric intervention.
Symptoms of Thyroid Issues During Pregnancy
Thyroid disorders seriously alter a woman’s pregnancy process due to numerous symptoms that may be confused with pregnancy changes. These minor but significant changes become essential for early diagnosis and efficient intervention.
The table below outlines the various symptoms of thyroid disorders during pregnancy:
| Symptoms | Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
| Fatigue | Persistent tiredness beyond normal pregnancy fatigue | Severe fatigue with increased restlessness |
| Sensitivity to Cold or Heat | Unusual cold intolerance | Heat intolerance with excessive sweating |
| Weight Changes | Significant weight gain | Unexplained weight loss or poor weight gain |
| Skin and Hair Issues | Dry, flaky skin | Warm, sweaty skin |
| Heart Rate | Normal or slightly low | Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and palpitations |
| Muscle and Joint Pain | Painful muscle cramps and stiffness | Tremors in the hands |
| Mental Health and Mood | Memory and concentration issues | Anxiety, agitation, and sleep disturbances |
Since many of these symptoms closely resemble those of a normal pregnancy, a medical evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause and its connection to thyroid function.
Diagnosis of Thyroid Disorders During Pregnancy
Thyroid screening becomes an integral part of prenatal care and is crucial for diagnosing thyroid disorders, which helps protect the mother and fetus. Here are the common procedures:
1.Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
This is a first-level evaluation test reflecting thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. The reference range is 0.2–2.5 mU/L in the first trimester and 0.3–3 mU/L afterwards.
2.Free Thyroxine (FT4) Test
This test measures free thyroxine (FT4) levels, typically low in hypothyroidism. It reflects active thyroid hormones crucial for fetal growth and maternal metabolism.
3.Thyroid Antibody Tests (TPOAb and TRAb)
These tests detect thyroid-specific antibodies, marking autoimmune thyroid disorders. They help identify conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease, aiding in predicting and managing thyroid diseases during pregnancy.
Get Your Thyroid Levels Assessed
Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Control Thyroid Hormones During Pregnancy
Maintaining balanced thyroid hormones during pregnancy is essential for both maternal and fetal health. Certain dietary choices and lifestyle changes can play a key role in managing thyroid function effectively.
Nutritional Considerations for Thyroid Health
- Iodine-Rich Foods: Consumption of dairy products, fish, eggs and foods containing iodised salt is encouraged. A prenatal vitamin containing 150 micrograms of iodine may be recommended.
- Magnesium Sources: Spinach, carrots, and mushrooms help produce adequate thyroid hormone and contribute to metabolic activities.
- Protein Intake: Fish, eggs, meat, and poultry strengthen muscles and enhance energy levels in pregnant women.
- Vitamin A Foods: Include eggs, carrots, and pumpkin in the diet, especially as they help with thyroid issues and are important nutrients.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Thyroid Function
- Stress Management: Exercises to reduce stress, such as deep breathing, prenatal yoga, and meditation, can help reduce thyroid impacts.
- Moderate Exercise: Exercise lightly during pregnancy by walking, swimming, or participating in prenatal yoga.
Caffeine Moderation: Avoid an intake of caffeine products because these will affect the working of the thyroid gland.
Potential Risks and Complications
Thyroid disorders in pregnancy can severely affect the health of the mother with a range of serious manifestations. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that untreated thyroid disorders can lead to complications such as an increased prevalence of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and placental issues like placental abruption.
Low thyroid hormones can hinder the baby’s development, slowing neurological and cognitive growth. Newborns may have low birth weight, increasing their vulnerability to health issues. Cardiac problems, including arrhythmias and heart failure, may also occur. Most notably, untreated thyroid diseases in pregnancy can lead to IQ deficits, affecting the child’s abilities and future development.
Collaborating with Healthcare Providers
Thyroid disorder control during pregnancy requires proper care coordination between the endocrinologists and obstetricians. These specialists manage hormonal changes and any other complications that may arise and affect both the mother and the baby.
Pregnant women need to be on an individualised plan that takes into account the patient’s history of thyroid disease, medication, and changes in hormonal status during pregnancy.
Prevention Strategies for Thyroid Disorders During Pregnancy
To reduce the risk of thyroid issues during pregnancy, consider the following strategies:
- Thyroid function tests should be encouraged early enough in pregnancy so that any problems can be identified early and necessary action can be taken.
- Iodine should be sourced naturally from foods to avoid overdose, which can occur from supplements without a prescription.
- Always check the thyroid hormone levels and then alter the dose of T3/T4 during pregnancy appropriately.
- Concentrate on selenium products, such as dairy products, eggs, and seafood.
- Use stress-reducing strategies like Yoga, meditation or even deep breathing.
- To support thyroid function, avoid pregnancy-related weight gain by maintaining a healthy weight before conception and during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Thyroid disorders, whether existing or newly diagnosed, play a significant role in pregnancy outcomes and maternity experiences. The best course of action for expectant mothers regarding thyroid health is early screening, proper medical checkups, and living a healthy life.
Consult Top Endocrinologist
Get Your Thyroid Levels Assessed
₹536(₹1341)60% off
₹2364(₹5910)60% off
₹2472(₹6179)60% off
₹1505(₹3763)60% off
₹2956(₹7391)60% off
Consult Top Endocrinologist
Dr. Nithin Reddy Modhugu
Endocrinologist
6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Endocrinology)
Hyderabad
Dr. Nithin's Endocrine Clinic, Hyderabad
(100+ Patients)
Dr. Gayatri S
Endocrinologist
4 Years • Suggested Qualifictaion- MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DM (ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Nellore
Narayana hospital, Nellore
Dr. Shiva Madan
Endocrinologist
10 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine) , DM (Endocrinology)
Bikaner
Sushma diabetes and Endocrine center, Bikaner
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Venkata Rakesh Chintala
Endocrinologist
8 Years • MBBS,MD( GEN MEDICINE), DM ( ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Krishna district
Sanjeevani Hospital, Krishna district
Dr. Arunava Ghosh
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS,MD(GENL.MED.),DM(ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Kolkata
VDC Clinic, Kolkata
