Abnormal thyroid function during prenatal checkup

Pregnant women are very concerned about many examination data. If abnormal thyroid function is found, there will be concerns about whether it will affect the development of the fetus. Everyone should know that the thyroid gland is an important factor affecting the fetal brain development. If there is abnormal thyroid function, pregnant mothers should seek timely treatment to avoid affecting the fetal development.

Abnormal thyroid function during prenatal check-up

1. Will thyroid function be abnormal during pregnancy?

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in front of the trachea and is the master regulator of the body's metabolism. If the thyroid gland is underactive, it will lead to "hypothyroidism"; conversely, if the thyroid gland is overactive, it will release too much thyroid hormone into the blood, causing "hyperthyroidism".

Having thyroid disease during pregnancy can be very serious, not only affecting the mother, but also causing neurological dysplasia in the fetus. Therefore, timely early detection, diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease during pregnancy is extremely important. Women with a family history of abnormal thyroid function or other autoimmune diseases (such as type 1 diabetes) should see a doctor before pregnancy or in early pregnancy for screening for abnormal thyroid function.

Regarding hypothyroidism, experts point out that about 5% of pregnant women suffer from hypothyroidism. Common symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, weakness and edema, which can easily be mistaken for normal physical and emotional reactions during pregnancy. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can be very dangerous if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

2. Thyroid abnormalities

Hyperthyroidism

Excessive secretion of T3 and T4 will often lead to loss of libido, impotence or rare gynecomastia, causing increased levels of PRL and hormones, thereby causing a decrease in reproductive ability and leading to infertility. The clinical manifestations include: fear of heat, excessive sweating, humidity, warm skin, tension, hyperactivity, inattention, arrhythmia, increased appetite and other symptoms.

Hypothyroidism

This disease is an endocrine disease caused by insufficient synthesis, secretion or biological effect of thyroid hormone due to certain reasons. According to the age of onset, it can be divided into: cretinism, juvenile form and adult form. Hypothyroidism can cause a decline in or disorder in the functions of many organs throughout the body. Due to metabolic disorders, patients will experience symptoms such as chills, shiny skin, thinning hair, mental retardation, and oligospermia.

3. Harms of thyroid abnormalities

Hypothyroidism can cause functional decline or disorder of multiple organs throughout the body.

Due to the low metabolic rate, patients experience chills, weakness, apathy, and slow reaction; pale or sallow complexion, edema; cold, sweaty, thick, and inelastic skin; sparse, brittle, and falling hair; swollen and drooping eyelids, and narrow palpebral fissures; thickened nose and lips; enlarged tongue and slurred pronunciation; intellectual impairment, lack of concentration, and poor memory; palpitations, shortness of breath, enlarged heart, and bradycardia; non-pitting edema of the lower limbs, sometimes accompanied by pericardial effusion and pleural effusion; loss of appetite, decreased gastric acid secretion, weak intestinal motility, and often stubborn constipation.

4. What to do if you have thyroid disease during pregnancy

1. It is best to have a thyroid disease check before pregnancy. Both spouses who suffer from thyroid disease must have a thyroid disease check before pregnancy. If the disease may affect pregnancy and fetal health, then birth plans should be postponed to avoid harm to the health of the pregnant woman and fetus.

2. Insist on regular prenatal checkups during pregnancy. Pregnant women with thyroid disease should insist on regular prenatal checkups and control the disease well during pregnancy so that the fetus can be born healthy and smoothly.

3. Pregnant women with thyroid diseases should pay special attention during delivery. They should be prepared for rescue at any time and use appropriate medications to assist uterine contraction and prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

5. Dietary treatment for thyroid abnormalities during pregnancy

1. Avoid eating foods that produce goitrogens: The dietary principle for patients with hypothyroidism is not to eat cabbage, Chinese cabbage, kale, rapeseed, cassava, walnuts and other foods to avoid causing goiter.

2. Limit fat and cholesterol-rich diet: Patients with hypothyroidism often have hyperlipidemia, which is more obvious in primary hypothyroidism, so fat diet should be limited. Daily fat supply should account for about 20% of total calories, and cholesterol-rich diet should be limited.

3. Provide sufficient protein:

Each person needs at least 20 grams of protein per day to maintain the body's protein balance. Amino acids are the basic components of protein, and about 3% of protein is constantly renewed every day. In hypothyroidism, the renewal rate of the small intestinal mucosa slows down, the digestive juice secretion glands are affected, the enzyme activity decreases, and the general albumin decreases. Therefore, essential amino acids should be supplemented to provide sufficient protein to improve the condition.