If thyroid gland produces less or more amount of thyroid then it causes thyroid disease. Its cases are more common in women. Its risk is especially high during pregnancy. If it is not identified on time, it can be dangerous for both mother and child. Why does thyroid increase during pregnancy? Let us know from experts how this can be prevented.
Dr. Subhash Giri, HOD in the Department of Medicine at RML Hospital, Delhi, explains that many hormonal changes occur in the body of women during pregnancy. These affect the thyroid gland. If the function of this gland decreases then thyroid problem occurs. During pregnancy, estrogen hormone increases more, due to this the thyroid becomes more active and causes thyroid disease. In some cases, a woman does not consume iodine in sufficient quantity, this also causes this disease.
There are two types of thyroid disease
Dr. Giri explains that there are two types of thyroid. The symptoms of one hypothyroid and the other hyperthyroid can also be different. Hypothyroidism causes problems like excessive fatigue, constipation, weight gain and hair fall. At the same time, in hyperthyroidism, symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weight loss, excessive sweating are seen. Treatment is required in both cases.
Dr. Giri says that it can be controlled through improvement in diet and medicines. Although some women resort to home remedies, they should not do so. Because if thyroid is not under control, it can be dangerous for the health of both the woman and the unborn child.
Which women are at greater risk during pregnancy?
Dr. Saloni Chadha, in the Department of Gynecology at RML Hospital, Delhi, says that women who have had thyroid before or have had a miscarriage before, are at risk of thyroid during pregnancy. Especially in the first three months, there is maximum pressure on the thyroid gland, hence TSH test should be done in the beginning itself. With timely diagnosis, the disease can be easily identified and treated.
How to protect?
Get your thyroid checked during your first pregnancy visit.
consume iodized salt
take thyroid medicine on time
Get thyroid level monitored every 68 weeks
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