Re: hyperthyroidism

Posted By hfhs.md.rcs on May 13, 1998 at 17:35:05:

In Reply to: hyperthyroidism posted by Summer on May 13, 1998 at 12:39:43:






Can hyperthyroidism affect delivery if on medication. Is it dangerous if not on medication?  
Dear Summer:
Hyperthyroidism (over activity of the thryoid gland) can cause problems (weight loss, rapid heart rate predisposing to heart beat irregularity, fever, blood pressure elevation) both outside of and during pregnancy. Medical therapy reverses all of these risks and allows ladies to successfully complete their pregnancy without problems during labor and delivery.
When thyroid supression medication (propylthiouracil) or beta-blocker medication (propanalol) is taken correctly, pregnancy and delivery are safe.
Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians are obstetricians who have special expertise in medical problems during pregnancy. They can provide consultation to assist general obstetrician/gynecologists who may encounter these problems infrequently.
Keywords: Hyperthyroidism, pregnancy