Is It Safe To Treat Pregnant Women For Hypothyroidism?

The minute a woman finds out that she is about to be a mother, she is filled with extreme joy; however, she can also be worried about some of the health complications that can occur during pregnancy.

As we all know, pregnancy is an extremely delicate stage in a woman's life, in which her health is under constant risk and the worst part is that her health can directly affect the health of her unborn.

So, it very important that a pregnant woman ensures that she keeps up her health, by practising healthy habits, so that both she and her baby can remain free of certain health complications.

However, sometimes, a woman can have a pre-existing health condition, which can be harmful, when she gets pregnant.
For example, if a woman, who is already suffering from diabetes or cancer, gets pregnant, then she must be given a special kind of pregnancy care and treatment.

Similarly, if a woman who is suffering from hypothyroidism conceives, then the question is, is it safe to continue treatment?

What Is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, thus causing a number of negative symptoms.

This condition can affect anyone, regardless of gender and some of its main symptoms are fatigue, general weakness, delayed puberty, abnormal menstrual cycles, mood swings, hair loss, weight gain, etc.

Various hormonal therapies are given to people with hypothyroidism to treat the symptoms.

Is It Safe To Treat Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy?

Treatments for certain disorders are considered unsafe during pregnancy, as the drugs administered may harm the unborn.

However, a woman suffering from hypothyroidism has to take treatment, even when she is pregnant, because, the symptoms of hypothyroidism can affect the health of her baby too!

A recent research study conducted by Mayo Clinic said that, if treatment for hypothyroidism is not taken by women during pregnancy, it can up the risk of premature babies and miscarriages, due to the fluctuations in hormonal activities.

Experts also said that treatment is safe, because the drugs given do not harm the mother or the baby, when monitored by a professional.