An insufficiently active thyroid or hypothyroidism in pregnancy might lead to premature birth and lower IQ babies. About 27 million Americans have either an overactive or under active thyroid. An overactive thyroid increases heart rate, blood pressure, can lead to weight loss, depression, confusion, and vision problems. While, an under active thyroid, may give rise to fatigue, constipation, weight gain, forgetfulness, a hoarse voice, dry skin. During pregnancy, would be mothers are required to have enough thyroid hormones, as it is vital for the development of brain and for avoiding a miscarriage and premature birth. A 1999 study found that untreated hypothyroidism increases the risk of having children with lowered IQs, whether the mother had thyroid symptoms or not. And in 2005, a study in Texas reported that more than 17,000 pregnant women found those with asymptomatic hypothyroidism had almost twice the risk of a premature baby as did women with normal thyroids. However, doctors are of the view that one study is not enough to reach at a particular conclusion. So until the issue is settled, the doctors have advised: 1. To test for the thyroid symptoms and offer treatment accordingly. 2. An international endocrinology panel soon will issue guidelines expected to urge thyroid testing for pregnant women. 3. Women who are previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism would require a significantly higher dose of thyroid hormone during pregnancy. 4. Most importantly, women must consume iodine supplements during pregnancy.
