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Thyroid Disease
Thyroid problems and thyroid disease can affect your pregnancy. Thyroid hormone is made in the thyroid gland; this hormone affects your entire body and is important in your metabolism.

Thyroid-hormone levels may be high or low. High levels of thyroid cause a condition called hyperthyroidism; low levels cause hypothyroidism. Women who have a history of miscarriage or premature delivery or who have problems around the time of delivery may have problems with their thyroid-hormone levels.

Symptoms of thyroid disease may be hidden by pregnancy.
Or you may notice changes during pregnancy that cause you and your healthcare provider to suspect the thyroid is not functioning properly. These changes could include an enlarged thyroid, changes in your pulse, redness of the palms and warm, moist palms. Because thyroid-hormone levels can change during pregnancy (because of pregnancy), your healthcare provider must be careful interpreting lab results about this hormone while you're pregnant.

The thyroid is tested primarily by blood tests (a thyroid panel), which measure the amount of thyroid hormone produced. The tests also measure levels of another hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), made at the base of the brain. Another test, an X-ray study of the thyroid (radioactive iodine scan), should not be done during pregnancy.
If you have hypothyroidism, thyroid replacement (thyroxin) is prescribed. It is believed to be safe during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may check the level during pregnancy with a blood test to make sure you are receiving enough of the hormone.

If you have hyperthyroidism, the medication propylthiouracil is used for treatment. It does pass through the placenta to the baby. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the lowest possible amount to reduce risk to your baby. Blood testing during pregnancy is necessary to monitor the amount of medication needed. Iodide is another medication used for hyperthyroidism. Avoid iodide during pregnancy because of harmful effects to a developing baby.

After delivery, it's important to test the baby and to watch for signs of thyroid problems related to the medications prescribed during pregnancy. If you have a past history of problems with your thyroid, if you are now taking medication or if you have taken medication in the past for your thyroid, tell your healthcare provider. Discuss treatment during pregnancy.

Your Nutrition
Pregnancy increases your need for vitamins and minerals. It's best if you can meet most of these needs through the foods you eat. However, being realistic, we know that's difficult for many women. That's one reason your healthcare provider prescribes a prenatal vitamin for you-to help you meet your nutritional needs.

Some women do need extra help during pregnancysupplements are often prescribed for them. These pregnant women include teenagers (whose bodies are still growing), severely underweight women, women who ate a poor diet before conception and women who have previously given birth to multiples. Women who smoke or drink heavily need supplements, as do some who have a chronic medical condition, those who take certain medications and those who have problems digesting cow's milk, wheat and other essential foods. In some cases, vegetarians may need supplements.

Your healthcare provider will discuss the situation with you.
If you need more than a prenatal vitamin, he or she will give you advice. Caution: Never take any supplements without your caregiver's approval and consent.

Thyroid disease is a very bad disease. Hormone Changes in this disease. A normal pregnancy results in a number of
important physiological and hormonal changes that alter thyroid function.