Radha*, 28, was overjoyed when she finally heard the long awaited news, “You’re pregnant”, from her doctor. After trying for nearly 2 years, this pregnancy was precious to her. But her joy was short-lived as she was constantly exhausted, couldn’t tolerate cold and suffered from constipation.
Although Radha often felt unwell, she dismissed it as normal effects of pregnancy . But she couldn’t understand how her friends sailed through pregnancy while she was always struggling to get through the day.
Radha realised something was really wrong when her mother commented on her inability to cope with pregnancy. So, she visited her doctor and explained everything she was experiencing. After a simple blood test , she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
With medication, Radha started feeling better. She was not as exhausted as before and felt much healthier. In due time, Radha gave birth to a healthy and beautiful baby girl. She’s happy the disorder was diagnosed early as it could have affected her unborn baby . Now, both mother and daughter are healthy and well.
*Pseudonym
Mother’s thyroid makes the difference
- During pregnancy, the thyroid gland of some women may be unable to cope with the increased demand for hormones. This could result in maternal hypothyroidism – a thyroid disorder where insufficient thyroid hormones are produced.1
- Hypothyroidism is dangerous for pregnant women as it could lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and excessive weight gain.2,3,4
- When it remains untreated, hypothyroidism could cause learning difficulties and developmental problems in baby.3,5
- After giving birth, some mothers may develop postpartum thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland, which may lead to depression.2
Reference
- AACE Thyroid Awareness. The Thyroid and Pregnancy [Internet]. n.d. [cited 2016 Sept 26]. Available from: http://www.thyroidawareness.com/the-thyroid-and-pregnancy#top
- Sahay RK, Nagesh VS. Hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012 May-Jun;16(3): 364–370.
- Thyroid Screening in Pregnant Women. Putrajaya: Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia. 2008 December.
- Abalovich M, Amino N, Barbour LA, Cobin RH, De Groot LJ, Glinoer D, Mandel SJ, and Stagnaro-Green A. Management of Thyroid Dysfunction during Pregnancy and Postpartum: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2007. 92(8) (Supplement):S1–S47