As I talk about the My Healthy Pregnancy Plan cheat sheet and webinar, adequate thyroid function plays a critical role in preventing miscarriage and supporting a healthy pregnancy. The connection between child cognition and brain development and thyroid function in pregnancy is also well established.
A recent study has shed light on another issue related to thyroid function in pregnancy: child behavioural problems, particularly in male children.
The study found that both elevated TSH (the hormone your pituitary releases when your thyroid is struggling) and low free T4 (the hormone your thyroid gland produces) during pregnancy were associated with anxiety/depression symptoms in children, and more attention problems in boys only.
Despite the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists clear upper limit for TSH of 2.5 mU/L in the first trimester, universal screening for TSH and thyroid disease in pregnancy has not been adopted. It is estimated that more than 55% of pregnant women with thyroid dysfunction are missed.
Testing is cheap and treatment is simple – definitely something to consider looking into further during your pregnancy!
I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information in your pregnancy, sign up for my free webinar: 7 Pregnancy Myths Debunked – and get the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy and a thriving baby.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your pregnant patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
Disclaimer: The information and content provided is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Please consult the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for full details.
References:
Casey, B.M. (2015). Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy. ACOG Practice Bulletin, 2015 (148).
Endendijk, J. et al. (2017). Maternal thyroid hormone trajectories during pregnancy and child behavioral problems. Hormones and Behavior, 94.
Endocrine Society (2012, June 22). Mild Thyroid Dysfunction in Early Pregnancy Linked to Serious Complications. News Wise. Retrieved from http://www.newswise.com/articles/mild-thyroid-dysfunction-in-early-pregnancy-linked-to-serious-complications.