Hypothyroid/Pregnant

[kt00]

Hi there,
I have been treated for hypothyroid for many years and have been on a dose of 100 mcg. I am now pregnant. At about eight weeks pregnant, my TSH was checked and it was about 5.9. At that time, my Free T4 was in the normal range. The OB doc decided to keep my meds as is (100 mcg). And just lask week, they tested my thyroid levels again (at a little over 16 weeks). The results came back at 12.8 for the TSH but still a normal range for the Free T4,The Ob doc gave me a consultation with Endo and they have now upped my dose to 150 mcg. I will have to go back in 4 weeks to get my levels tested again. I hadn't been taking the meds on an empty stomach or waiting 3 to 4 hours to take Iron or Prenetals.

Prior to getting pregnant, my TSH levels were always in the normal range.

I have read alot online on different forums about what impact this could have on the baby. I have read that if you are UNTREATED during the 1st trimester that it poses a larger risk. Since I was on the 100 mcg dose does that consider me treated.

Any advice or insight would be much appreciated...

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

yes - normal T4 is reassuring

[kt00]

One other question...the fat that the Free T4 has always been normal is definitely a plus in my case, correct?

[kt00]

Thanks Dr. Lupo. I am now on the higher dose and hope that it will go down in the next month. I think it may have been an absorption issue, as I was never told not to take prenetals and iron at the same time. Now I get up early and take my thyroid meds.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

It is better to have a slightly low TSH during pregnancy than a high one.  Your levels have only been moderately elevated but I agree w/ the endo's rec to increase to a higher dose and follow closely.  There is very little risk (to the baby)  based on what you described, but high TSH (under-replacement) is associated with neurologic development problems, miscarriage and pre-term delivery.

[kt00]

Thanks for posting Beth. I have been doing some additional research online and have seen mixed responses. Looks like the fact that my Free T4 has been consistently normal is a good think.

Dr. Lupo, can you offer any advice here?

[Beth1224]

Hi! I was born without a thyroid gland and have been taking synthroid since I was two weeks old. I became pregnant at age 18. My levels before my pregnancy were always normal, but about 5 weeks before I found out I was pregnant my mom passed away and I rarely took my medicine. When I was 5-6 weeks pregnant I went to the doctor and they helped me get back on track. My son is two now and perfectly healthy. I believe that there is a risk with hypothyroidism and pregnancy no matter the situation. Im not sure if that helped you, if you have any questions feel free to ask