How To Deal With Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy?

Disorders Cure

oi-Staff

By Super

Tuesday, April 3, 2012, 16:55

In dealing with thyroid disease in pregnancy, the physician and patient should be aware of problems that occur before and after, as well as during the actual pregnancy. There should be equal concern for the welfare of both the mother and baby. Fortunately, most thyroid conditions can be recognized, problems can be anticipated, and effective treatment is available. The outcome is almost always a healthy one, for both the mother and her baby. Do not get worried and follow the suggestion of your Obstetrician and Endocrinologist.

THYROID problems in Childhood

Symptoms in Children Poor feeding Constipation, Low body temperature, Slow pulse Prolonged jaundice Increased sleepiness Decreased crying.

Although thyroid disease occurs less frequently in children than in adults, the signs and symptoms can be similar. However, there are a few important differences that need to be brought to light. A paediatric endocrinologist or a paediatrician generally manages children with thyroid conditions. They are growth retardation or failure to gain height, unusual weight gain, not able to gain weight deteriorating school performance, hyperactivity. The causes of thyroid problem in children are not much different than the adults and also treatment is more or less the same. Children needs monitoring a bit more frequently than the adults because with change in height and weight and also with increase in age the dose requirement changes requirement changes.

• Thyroid problem of the newborn - Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland, is only seen occasionally in newborns, which develops due to the failure to develop thyroid gland in the mother's womb. This condition is referred to as neonatal hyperthyroidism. Some newborns may hardly be affected if the levels of antibodies are low. No treatment may be necessary, as the mother's antibodies will soon clear from the baby's bloodstream, usually within two to three months. Usual symptoms are poor feeding, sleepiness and prolonged jaundice after birth. If the diagnosis is not made early, baby's development (both physical and mental) can be delayed.

  However, in rare circumstances, the levels of stimulating antibodies are enough to cause severe thyrotoxicosis. Immediate treatment with anti-thyroid medication will be given to correct the hormone imbalance. Newborns with advanced hyperthyroidism may display similar symptoms to those in adults, such as an extremely fast pulse, irritability, flushed moist skin, and a ravenous appetite with failure to thrive (i.e. the infant's body tends to be long and thin). Fortunately, treatment with anti-thyroid drugs is safe and effective, and will only be needed for a short period of time, until the stimulating antibodies pass from the baby's bloodstream. If the mother is on a high dose of anti-thyroid medication, the diagnosis can be delayed by about a week until the infant clears the anti-thyroid medication. Liaison with a paediatric endocrinologist is recommended prior to birth.
• Menstrual period - Both under- and overactive thyroid can cause irregularity of periods and heavy bleeding. This problem should get better when you are adequately treated. If problem persists after treatment, it would be a better idea to discuss with your doctor.

About Author

Dr. Arpandev Bhattacharya is the Consultant Diabetologist and Endocrinologist, at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore. He is the founder of Sushruta Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Trust. Apart from these, Dr. Arpandev Bhattacharya finds time for charity services and writing medical articles.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.