Can thyroid disorders cause problems with pregnancy?
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can make it more difficult for you to become pregnant. Hyperthyroidism that is not properly treated during pregnancy can cause: • Early labor and premature babies • Preeclampsia (pre-ee-CLAMP-see-uh), a serious condition starting after 20 weeks of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys and other organs • Fast heart rate of the developing baby • Smaller babies • Stillbirths Women who have hypothyroidism that is not diagnosed or properly treated during pregnancy may be at increased risk for: • Anemia (lower than normal number of healthy red blood cells) • Preeclampsia • Low-birth-weight babies • Problems with brain development in the baby • Abnormal bleeding after giving birth If you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, ask your doctor if you need a thyroid test.
