Hyperthyroidism In Pregnancy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that develops when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones help control body temperature, heart rate, growth, and how you gain or lose weight.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Anti-thyroid medicine: This medicine decreases the amount of thyroid hormone made by your thyroid gland. This medicine can also cause your thyroid to stop making thyroid hormone completely.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or endocrinologist as directed :

You may need to return for more blood tests to check your thyroid hormone level. This will show if you are getting the right amount of medicine. Do not stop taking medicines without first talking to your primary healthcare provider. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Keep track of your baby's movements:

Keep track of how much your baby moves every day. This can be done in the morning, in the evening, or both. Wait 1 hour after you eat. Write down every movement that you feel from your baby. You may want to count for an extra 30 minutes if you are having trouble feeling movement. Ask your primary healthcare provider for more information on how to keep track of your baby's movements. Contact your primary healthcare provider if your baby is moving less.

Keep track of your blood pressure and weight:

• You may need to check and write down your blood pressure. Caregivers will teach you how to check your blood pressure, and tell you how often to do this. It is important to measure your blood pressure in the same arm and in the same position every time. Keep track of your blood pressure readings, along with the date and time you took them. Take this record with you to your prenatal visits.
  
  
• Weigh yourself daily before breakfast after you urinate. Keep track of your daily weights and take the record with you to your prenatal visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or endocrinologist if:

• Your baby is moving less.
  
  
• You have a fever.
  
  
• You feel very nervous and restless.
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• You run out of thyroid medicine or stopped taking it.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your baby is restless and always kicking, or is very still and not moving at all.
  
  
• You have sudden chest pains or trouble breathing.
  
  
• Your water broke, or you are bleeding from your vagina.
  
  
• Your heart is beating very fast and you are restless.
  
  
• You faint or have a seizure.

Learn more about Hyperthyroidism In Pregnancy (Aftercare Instructions)