hypothyroidism mismanaged first trimester pregnancy

[SHB6]

I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and am a hypothyroid patient who takes Synthroid.  Prior to conception and during my first trimester, I took Synthroid (75mcg) but my thyroid condition was not managed properly.  My TSH level 2 months prior to conception was 3.5.  At 6 weeks of pregnancy, my TSH was 5.3.  Unfortunately, this was not discovered until week 13 of pregnancy at which point my Synthroid dose was increased.  TSH levels after 2 days on the new dose was ~2.  I am now being monitored by an endocrinologist.  I would like to know what risks my baby has as a result of my thyroid mismanagement (I understand there could be developmental/cognitive delays?).  I would also like to know about how high my TSH levels may have risen the in 7 weeks that I wasn't being properly managed.  Thank you.

[HashimotosAge27F]

hi there! and Congratulations on the baby!!!!
I have been Hypothyroid (Hashimotos) since I was 12 [now age 27], and have always taken .125mcg of Synthroid. I got pregnant last October and [hadn't been to an Endocrinologist in over 5 years, just going to a GP] .. anyway, I couldn't get into see the Endo. until I was a little over 18 weeks [to have my medication adjusted]. At that appt., my TSH was on the high side and it was increased at that time .. and I continued seeing the Endo. every 4 weeks until the baby was born [the day I delivered my son I was up to .188mcg. of Synthroid].
My baby boy is absolutely perfect! and excelling above average! Those studies that you are referring to .. is for UNTREATED hypothyroidism.
Just make sure you are very monitored [by and Endocrinologist] and your baby should be perfect!
[and remember .. the baby does NOT live off of your bloodstream until after 12 weeks, so if anything with yoru body was out of wack, it wouldn't have had an effect on the baby :]
I'm sure it will all work out just fine!
good luck to you! God bless!

[SHB6]

Thank you for reassuring me!  How high did your TSH get before you increased your dose?  It was my understanding that during the first trimester the baby gets everything from the mom and then makes his/her own after that.  I'm so glad to hear that your baby is happy and healthy!  I pray mine will be the same.  All the best to you!

[HashimotosAge27F]

My TSH was up to 7.05 when I finally got in to see the Endocrinologist and he increased my synthroid from .125mcg. to .137 mcg. then 4 weeks later to .150mcg then 4 weeks later to .175mcg. and then 4 weeks later to .188 mcg. and that is where I finished my pregnancy.
My thyroid condition didn't affect my baby whatosever .. and I'm sure it won't affect yours either :]

I'll pray for you! God bless!

PS - go to www.answers.yahoo.com and check out their board. Just use keywords like,
"hypothyroid and pregnant" .. and TONS of stuff will come up. You can read about other women who have battled hypothyroidism while pregnant. And you can ask questions of your own and women will answer them. That site came in VERY handy while I was pregnant. I'm sure you'll enjoy it :]

[DarlaLOU]

You know, aside from my 1st pregnancy, the Hypo issues were really easily managed during pregnancy. In my latter three children all that was required was a small increase in meds during the pregnancy and then it went back down after delivery. None of my kids have had any problems at all. With my last baby I had actually been off my thyroid meds for a while and the Dr didn't seem concerned at all. Good luck to you! Don't stress yourself out- just enjoy the pregnancy!
Darla

[SHB6]

Thanks to both of you for your help and reassurance!  I am starting to relax a little.

[coyle]

we have a similar situation; being 1month along, the levels were still being raised after rai surgery, they were 5.0 and now are 6.13 with the t4 at 10.2 (which is the higher range for that test) and the ft3 at the low end at 248 (420 is high end.) We have an endo appt less than 1 wk away. Should the endo be raising things up to get tsh to 1 and ft3 more around 400? I'm afraid they are just going to want to go slow and this may be harming our child. Any advice here is very greatly appreciated. Thanks and God Bless!