Hypothyroidism and Signs of Pregnancy

Thyroid is a common during pregnancy. Thyroid and pregnancy go hand in hand. It is believed around 2.5% pregnant women have at least some degree of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism and pregnancy complications are commonly associated. Hypothyroidism in pregnancy may affect both mother and the baby. Thyroid is a gland located in the neck that produces the thyroid hormone. Thyroid may produce too much hormone, or it may be damaged during hypothyroidism.

Pregnancy is associated with many hormonal changes. Thus hypothyroidism pregnancy is worse than the normal hypothyroidism. Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are weight gain and tiredness; these are common >signs of pregnancy. It is thus mistaken as a pregnancy sign or symptoms of pregnancy. Blood tests that measure TSH level determine if these are pregnancy symptoms whether they are due to hypothyroidism.

Some of the signs of hypothyroidism during pregnancy are as follows: Lethargy:

Pregnant women tire easily and sleep a lot. This is a sign of fatigue and lethargy; she will have an aversion to activity. Instead of taking frequent breaks a pregnant woman with hypothyroidism will avoid the activity she wishes to do altogether.

Hair woes:

Pregnancy hormones help the hair to grow long, shiny and strong. But, hypothyroidism leads to hair growth that is brittle and prone to break. Lot of women may also experience loss of eyebrows and eyelashes due to deficiency of the thyroid hormone.

Temperature variations:

Hypothyroidism leads to a feeling of either excessive heat or cold. Pregnant women experience changes in their body temperature. However, hypothyroidism creates extreme variations in body temperature of a pregnant woman.

Painful nerves:

Sciatica is when the nervous system is affected. This is a common symptom during pregnancy. The developing baby in the womb of a pregnant woman places pressure on the sciatic nerve in the latter months of pregnancy. A pregnant woman with hypothyroidism experiences a tingling pain in the fingers and arms. This is referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Hoarseness in the voice:

Another distinct sign in a pregnant woman with hypothyroidism is changes in the voice. Hormone deficiency changes the larynx and the way these muscles release and contract to make a different sound.

Change in color:

Carotenemia or excess carotene in the body is developed in patients suffering from hypothyroidism. This causes the sole of the feet and the palms of the hands to turn orange in color. This symptom does not occur in normal pregnancy. But if this sign is not seen in a pregnant lady it does not rule out the possibility of her having hypothyroidism.