TSH during pregnancy

[iae.04]

I read so much on this site as well as others that "most doctors" like to keep the TSH between 1 and 2 (I've also read alot that say under 3) during pregnancy.  My doctors insist on using the traditional .5-5 range and mine has been very stable in that range throughout pregnancy (and actually was quite stable before preganancy as well- had to adjust once at 6 weeks gestation when it crept up a bit).  I'm trying to find out why so many doctors are keeping it at such a close, low range (1-2) and have seen no studies showing that that is absolutely necessary.  Do doctors do that so that it won't be jumping all over the place and creep up past five or is there really more risk to the baby or mother with a TSH between 3 and 4 for instance rather than 1 and 2?

Second question- I also tested positive for antibodies.  They are going to be monitoring the baby very closely( twice a week) starting at 34 weeks.  This is their standard procedure for any maternal thyroid patient who tests positive for antibodies.  That kind of scares me.  Are they just extra cautious or do I have some huge risk because of these antibodies?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

There is probably not a significant risk between 2-5.  The recommendation is a consensus to keep the TSH between 0.5 and 3.0 during pregnancy based on some research but primarily to avoid inadvertant drifting above 5.  

I would not worry much about the antibodies in this situation (Hashimoto's) - it's more an issue in Graves w/ pregnancy if the TSI is very high.

[iae.04]

I should have said that I'm now 23 weeks pregnant, in case that matters. (TSH is currently 3.29)

[iae.04]

Oh no, I guess I wasn't clear.  YES, I've been on Levothyroxine since before I conceived.  I was taking 50 mcg before I was pregnant and raised to 75 shortly after becoming pregnant and that has kept me stable since.

[iae.04]

Thank you for all that info.  I have been aware of all of those risks.  My doctor assures me that since my "numbers" have been under control before and throughout pregnancy I am fine.  My main concern is whether it's fine that I have been below 5 or if I should insist that my doctor be keeping me below 2.  I certainly don't want to try to fix something that's not broken and swing too far in the other direction.

[ld7]

I have a question for you.  Did you have a hard time falling pregnant with hypothyroidism.  The reason I'm asking is becasue I have been trying for the past 9 months to conceive.  My Dr only diagnosed me with hypothyroidism 5 months ago.  Since then I've been on Synthroid.  

When I was first diagnosed my TSH levels were at 27 and I had antibodies.  When I went back in January after 8 weeks on Synthroid my TSH was at 1.5.  Please help as I am desperately trying to fall pregnant and cope with my condition too.  By the way I have been testing with ovulation predictor kits and they do not indicate that I have been ovulating.  How hard is it to fall pregnant with hypothyroidism???

Help!

[ld7]

kelliek, thanks for the info I'll reasearch it and I'll ask my OB/GYN when I go visit her next month.

iae.04, were you taking Synthroid or Armour when you fell pregnant?  Any feedback on Synthroid vs Armour??

I never thought falling pregnant would be so hard...

[iae.04]

I'm sorry you're having such a time getting pregnant.  I must say I did not have trouble but I think my case is quite mild (never had a TSH above 8.5. I am and was on Synthroid (actually generic Levothyroixine.)  I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism just before I got pregnant.  Don't know how long I've had it- never really had symptoms.  This is my second pregnancy- 1st was picture perfect and this one is so far, other than the hassle and worry over this stuff.  Good luck to you.  I hope you are able to conceive soon!

[ld7]

Thanks for your feedback.  Kelliek I'll check out that site.  I'm sorry to hear about your fertility state.  Our body is so fragile that sometimes we don't realize it. My fear is infertility..so far OPKs (ovulation predictor kits) have not deteced an LH surge for me which worries me.

iae04, that's great!  Actullay it gives me some hope!!!  I've heard so many difficult stories for hypothyroid patients that it's nice to hear someone that did not have much trouble.   guess my system was out of whack for a while so I should give it some time.  TSH 3 years ago 3.5, TSH last Oct 27, TSH Jan 1.5.  I hope it stays that way.

[Sashi2008]

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[nirmala258]

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[nirmala258]

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