Thyroid disease is common in women of childbearing age. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help control almost every function in the body. At Memorial Hermann, affiliated maternal-fetal medicine specialists offer advanced care and services for women with thyroid disease.

Types of Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy

Two types of thyroid disease are commonly seen in pregnancy:

  • Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)
  • Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)

Pregnancies complicated by hyper- and hypothyroidism may be complicated by fetal growth delay, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. Blood tests can determine the diagnosis of thyroid disease.

Treatment of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy

A patient may need treatment for a thyroid condition during pregnancy. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists affiliated with Memorial Hermann will work with the patient’s obstetrician to prescribe safe and efficacious medications for the patient’s particular thyroid disease. In some cases, the patient may need to see an endocrinologist (specialist in thyroid disorders). Affiliated genetic counselors are also available to review medications and their effects in pregnancy.

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