Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy

Thyroid disease is common in women of childbearing age. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help control almost every function in the body. Two types of thyroid disease are commonly seen in pregnancy: hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Pregnancies complicated by hyper- and hypothyroidism may be complicated by fetal growth delay, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. The diagnosis of thyroid disease is made by blood tests.

You may need treatment for your thyroid condition during pregnancy. Physicians at the Center will work with your obstetrician to prescribe safe and efficacious medications for your particular thyroid disease. In some cases, you may need to see an endocrinologist (specialist in thyroid disorders). Genetic counselors at the Center are also available to review medications and their effects in pregnancy. Our goal is a healthy mother and baby.