Thyroid Drugs

Body functions during pregnancy undergo lot of changes. Read on to know what to do if you have thyroid problems in pregnancy.Do you have the thyroid disease in pregnancy? Are you aware of what this disease is and the effect of medications on your pregnancy? Well, here we have attempted to offer you a complete guide on what you are looking for. Please read along. In this articleThyroid and Anti-Thyroid AgentsThyroid DiseaseEffect of Pregnancy on Thyroid FunctioningThyroid Medications in PregnancyThyroid and Anti-Thyroid AgentsThe main activity of the thyroid gland is dependent upon two active principles, thyroxine and tri-iodothyroxine - both iodine containing amino acids. These iodine containing thyroid hormones are concerned with growth, development and metabolic process. They raise the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and in some tissues stimulate oxygen consumption. Some thyroid hormones like thyroxine and liothyronine are safe during pregnancy. But antithyroid substances like carbimazole and propythiouracil may cause congenital goitre by inhibiting thyroxine synthesis in the foetus. These products should therefore be used only after carefully weighing the mothers needs against the risk to the foetus. Also a strict supervision of a doctor is also required while using these products. Pregnant women should not take any medicines without the prescription of doctor. Products: Thyroxine For Children: Caution For Pregnant Women: Caution For Breastfeeding Mothers: Caution Contra-indications*: Hypersensitivity Caution: Coronary heart disease Thyroid DiseaseThis refers to a kind of disorder that affects the functioning of your thyroid gland. The thyroid hormone helps regulating metabolism that supplies energy to your body. Too much of the hormone is hyperthyroidism and too little of it is called hypothyroidism.This hormone plays crucial role in development of a healthy baby as well as for maintaining good health of the mother.Once you are aware of the effects of the hormone on your pregnancy, you can still enjoy a healthy pregnancy even if you have thyroid problems. Your doctor shall suggest you the right medicines to make things easier for you.Effect of Pregnancy on Thyroid FunctioningThyroid levels tend to increase in pregnancy because of the roles played by pregnancy hormones- oestrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Too much of oestrogen produces high level of globulin that is also known as thyroxin-binding globulin. This is a kind of protein that helps transportation of the hormone to blood.These are some normal ways the body functions during pregnancy that makes it difficult to interpret thyroid results.Thyroid hormone can effect development of the nervous system and brain of the baby. Development of the baby in the 1st trimester depends on the thyroid hormone that comes via the placenta. From the 12 week the baby starts functioning on her own thyroid.Thyroid tends to enlarge at times in case of healthy women during pregnancy. However, in most of the cases they remain undetected. A highly enlarged thyroid can be a sign of a disease that needs special attention. Fatigue, increase in size of thyroid and other common symptoms of pregnancy and thyroid disease makes it difficult to diagnose this disorder during pregnancy.Thyroid Medications in PregnancyIn case of mild hyperthyroidism you may not have to take any medications in pregnancy. However, you shall need the anti-thyroid medicines if diagnosed with severe hyperthyroidism that is actually interfering with the normal thyroid production.Due to possible damage of foetal thyroid gland, radioactive iodine treatment is generally not suggested for those pregnant. Surgery too is not suggested to those who are not capable of tolerating the medicines.The drugs are known to pass through the placenta and interfere with hormone production of the unborn child. Thus, in cases when medicines are extremely necessary, they are suggested in low doses to the mother.Some of the possible risks of medication are as follows:Failure of normal liver functioningReduction in white blood cells that lowers down your ability to fight against infections.Allergic reactions such as itching and rashes.Some of the side effects associated with use of anti-thyroid medications that should prompt you to visit your doctor are as follows:FeverSore throat for longItching WeaknessPain in abdomenBruising of your eyesFatigueReduced appetiteAccording to doctors pregnant mothers must avoid methimazole in the 1st trimester in most of the cases of hyperthyroidism, as the chances of damaging the foetus increase in these cases.Thus, it is better to follow instructions laid down by the doctor and follow healthy diet pattern. You must also avoid the triggers that cause hyperthyroidism during this phase. It is worth taking these precautionary measures for the sake of a healthy pregnancy.How does thyroid disease affect pregnancy? What are the ways to regulate thyroid functioning in pregnancy? In what way do hormones affect pregnancy? Discuss here.