The thyroid is common during pregnancy. The thyroid and pregnancy go hand in hand. About 2.5% of pregnant women are believed to have at least some degree of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism and pregnancy complications are commonly associated. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can affect both mother and baby. The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that makes thyroid hormone. The thyroid can make too much hormone or it can be damaged during hypothyroidism.
Pregnancy is associated with many hormonal changes. Therefore, hypothyroid pregnancy is worse than normal hypothyroidism. Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are weight gain and tiredness; these are common signs of pregnancy. Therefore, it is mistaken for a sign of pregnancy or a symptom of pregnancy. Blood tests that measure the level of TSH determine if these are symptoms of pregnancy or if they are due to hypothyroidism.
Some of the signs of hypothyroidism during pregnancy are as follows:
Lethargy:
Pregnant women tire easily and sleep a lot. This is a sign of fatigue and lethargy; will have an aversion to activity. Instead of taking frequent breaks, a pregnant woman with hypothyroidism will completely avoid the activity she wants to do.
Hair problems:
Pregnancy hormones help hair grow long, shiny, and strong. But, hypothyroidism leads to hair growth that is brittle and prone to breakage. Many women can also experience loss of eyebrows and eyelashes due to thyroid hormone deficiency.
Temperature variations:
Hypothyroidism leads to a feeling of excessive heat or cold. Pregnant women experience changes in body temperature. However, hypothyroidism creates extreme variations in a pregnant woman’s body temperature.
Painful nerves:
Sciatica is when the nervous system is affected. This is a common symptom during pregnancy. The developing baby in the womb of a pregnant woman puts pressure on the sciatic nerve in the last months of pregnancy. A pregnant woman with hypothyroidism experiences tingling in her fingers and arms. This is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Hoarseness in voice:
Another hallmark in a pregnant woman with hypothyroidism is voice changes. Hormonal deficiency changes the larynx and the way these muscles release and contract to produce a different sound.
Color change:
Carotenemia or excess carotene in the body develops in patients suffering from hypothyroidism. This causes the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands to turn orange. This symptom does not occur in a normal pregnancy. But if this sign is not seen in a pregnant woman, it does not rule out the possibility that she has hypothyroidism.