high TSH during pregancy

09/26/09:  I have been hypothyroid for ~10 years (0.125 mcg levothyroxine) and am 11 wks/6 days pregant.  

My Dr. called yesterday to rely that my bloodwork from last week showed high TSH (6.170); 10 wks/5 days.  He relayed no concern for dose change unless symptomatic (as you know is easily masked in preg).  I asked for dose change and rcd 0.150 mcg, with instructions to test again in 4wks.  From what I "now" read (soooo stressed that I did not have this info prior - my responsibility, I know), my elevated TSH far from the safe range.  (note: I rcd no alert for my TSH from the previous month).


Q:  How "bad" is a THS of 6.170 during a 3-4 wk duration, in regards to baby's development?  (looking for support here)
Q:  Is monthly monitoring enough, at this point?

Looking for proactive advice,

Thank you!!!

[laura1967]

Try not to stress and keep your TSH under the 3.0 limit. The new range is .30-3.0. Most people feel best around a 1.0. Make sure you get a free t4 and free t3 tests done with the TSH to make sure you are converting properly.
From what i understand, it is only dangerous to the development of baby if you leave it untreated for a long period of time.  :)

[dpleiman]

I just had my baby 11 weeks ago, I am hashimotos hypothyroid for 3 years and on Levoxyl.. For the first couple of months of my pregnancy i was about the same towards the high end and my doc changed my dosage from 100 to 112mcg and I stayed on 112 the rest of the pregnancy.... My baby is fine.. The pediatrician said she was really surprised because she said babies usually have low thyroid levels just after delivery and said that my doc must have been on top of it during my entire pregnancy.. the first couple of months i was a little off, i think around 5 or 6 but then after the dosage increase he checked my levels every 6 weeks and i was good every time.. Try not to worry, those numbers aren't horribly high and you caught it soon and it's the same thing that happened to me in my pregnancy and everything turned out fine...

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

the increase to 150 mcg is appropriate.  I doubt that there is harm done to the baby with TSH of 6.1, particularly you are already on thyroid meds.

It is standard practice to test every 4 weeks during pregnancy and to adjust by 25 mcg with each adjustment.

Target TSH during pregnancy is about 1.0.  You may well need to adjust every month for the next few months.

Be reassured.  I had smae thing during my pregnancy and have a very normal and healthy baby girl now.

Ask your Dr to also test FT4 and try to keep this at least mid to high normal in the reference range.