The role of iodine
The need for iodine is increased in every pregnancy, even in cases of hyperthyroidism. This ensures the supply of thyroid hormones to the fetus. The general recommendation was that a total of 250 micrograms of iodine per day should be taken in.
Since this dose is not absorbed via the diet alone in most cases, pregnant women should take iodine preparations with a dosage of 150 micrograms daily. There are combination preparations with folic acid, which is also essential for pregnancy. If the iodine supply is insufficient during pregnancy, this can lead to the formation of a goitre (goiter) and an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
A sufficient iodine supply is also important during the nursing period, when iodine-containing food supplements should also be taken. Otherwise, low-iodine milk can impair the development of the newborn child. The editorship recommends in addition: Vitamins in the pregnancy
What is the risk of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy?
Symptomatic hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is associated with numerous risks. The mother’s risk of developing pre-eclampsia, a condition with elevated blood pressure, water retention and protein in the urine, increases. This can lead to premature birth or stillbirth.Pregnant women can also develop heart failure, in which the heart is no longer sufficiently able to perform its pumping function.
In very rare cases, a so-called thyrotoxic crisis can occur. This is an acute and life-threatening metabolic disorder of the mother with effects on the child. The risk of complicated pregnancy courses is also increased.
This can lead to placental detachment, i.e. the premature separation of the placenta, with life-threatening consequences for the child. In general, the rates of malformation and miscarriage are increasing. In the case of non-symptomatic, i.e. subclinical hyperactivity, the risks mentioned are not increased. The probability of occurrence of the complications mentioned is then similar to that of thyroid-healthy pregnant women.
How dangerous is hyperthyroidism in pregnancy for the baby?
Especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, a balanced thyroid function of the mother is important for the proper development of the child. If a symptomatic hyperthyroidism is not properly treated, premature birth, miscarriage or stillbirth may occur. The probability that the child will be born with a reduced birth weight of less than 2500 grams is also increased.
In addition, newborns born to mothers with hyperthyroidism often have poorer Apgar scores at the first examination immediately after birth. The risk of preeclampsia in the mother increases and, if manifested, can lead to premature birth or even life-threatening complications for mother and child. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of fetal thyroid dysfunction.
Hyperthyroidism can also occur. This risk is all the greater the higher the mother’s thyroid gland values are or if, as in Graves’ disease, antibodies are the cause. On the other hand, if the overactive thyroid gland is overtreated with medication, the opposite may occur and cause hypothyroidism in the newborn.
The above-mentioned risks for the unborn child do not apply to pregnant women with non-symptomatic hyperthyroidism. In this case there is a general risk of complications.
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