Posted: November 14th, 2023

Effects of Thyroid during Pregnancy and its Knowledge to Rural Women

Effects of Thyroid during Pregnancy and its Knowledge to Rural Women

Thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces thyroid hormones, which regulate the metabolism and energy of the body. Thyroid hormones are also essential for the normal development of the baby’s brain and nervous system during pregnancy. Thyroid disorders can affect both the mother and the baby, and may cause complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and congenital hypothyroidism.

Thyroid disorders can be classified into two main types: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, causing symptoms such as fast and irregular heartbeat, shaky hands, weight loss, and heat intolerance. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and constipation. Both conditions can be diagnosed by measuring the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood.

The prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnancy varies depending on the iodine intake, geographic location, and screening methods of the population. In general, hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism in pregnancy, affecting about 2-3% of pregnant women worldwide. However, in some regions where iodine deficiency is prevalent, such as Eastern India, the prevalence of hypothyroidism can be as high as 31.4% among pregnant women . Iodine is an essential element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and its deficiency can lead to goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) and impaired mental development in children.

The management of thyroid disorders in pregnancy requires regular monitoring of thyroid function tests and adjustment of medication doses according to the stage of pregnancy. Pregnant women with hyperthyroidism are usually treated with antithyroid drugs, such as methimazole or propylthiouracil, which inhibit the production of thyroid hormones. Pregnant women with hypothyroidism are usually treated with levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone that replaces the deficient hormone. The treatment is safe and essential for both mother and baby .

However, many pregnant women with thyroid disorders may not have access to adequate diagnosis and treatment, especially in rural areas where health care facilities are scarce or distant. Moreover, many pregnant women may not have sufficient knowledge about the effects of thyroid disorders on their health and their baby’s development. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness and educate pregnant women about the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders, the need for regular screening and follow-up, and the benefits of appropriate treatment. This can help prevent adverse outcomes and improve the quality of life of both mother and baby.

References:

: NIDDK. (2021). Thyroid Disease & Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/pregnancy-thyroid-disease

: Palepu S., Singh A.K., Saharia G.K., Patra S., Singh S., Taywade M., Bhatia V. (2023). Hypothyroidism in pregnancy: An alarming concern in a rural community of Eastern India. Indian Journal of Community Medicine 48(1): 187-189. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_529_22

: Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-during-pregnancy/hypothyroidism-and-pregnancy

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