Pregnancy is a bliss and much-awaited phase for most of the ladies. Much of the planning goes into conceiving a baby. But, what if all the attempts made are unsuccessful? Can thyroid be a possible reason affecting your pregnancy? If you are also wondering about the questions aforementioned, then the answer is – YES. Before making any effort that yields no result, make sure that your thyroid gland is functioning properly.
A problem is a problem, whether big or small. Similarly, an over or under thyroid functioning gland is an issue that shouldn’t be avoided especially by a woman who wants to get pregnant. Thyroid hormones are essential to assure a healthy fetal development. Since, during the first trimester, the baby is unable to produce his own thyroid hormone and depends on his mother. Also, the hormones are responsible for metabolism in mother’s body. Production of these hormones in excess is called hyperthyroidism and insufficient production is called hypothyroidism. Both the conditions can affect your pregnancy! Read on to know, how.
Causes anovulation
Increased levels of thyroid hormones may cause anovulation which means there will be an absence of ovulation. This, in turn, affects the fertility and reduces the chances of cherishing a special feeling called motherhood.
Leads to miscarriage
Women with low thyroid hormone level confront miscarriage or premature labor. Hypothyroidism hinders your menstrual cycle and progesterone levels. It doesn’t allow the egg to get attached to the uterus and thus, the egg leaves the body. Even if it gets attached, the mother is unable to provide enough thyroid hormones to the fetus, resulting in loss of pregnancy.
Grave’s Disease and Hyperthyroidism
Women detected with active Grave’s disease are more prone to suffer from hyperthyroidism. If left untreated, it may cause issues in pregnancy. You may encounter preterm birth, miscarriage, poor fetal growth, fetal thyroid dysfunction, preeclampsia and maternal heart failure.
Contributes to Low Basal Body Temperature
Basal Body Temperature is a temperature the body requires to be at in order to use the minimum energy needed to survive. But, hypothyroidism contributes to a low basal body temperature. Due to this, the blood circulation in the body gets affected and fetus remains deprived of sufficient nutrients and oxygen. This makes you more susceptible to illness and feel lethargic. Poor blood circulation is also the reason behind lower back pain and edema. Low basal body temperature also stops normal ovulation and hence, increases the risk of infertility.
Triggers Intestinal Permeability
Low thyroid hormonal levels can trigger leaky gut. Also, known as the intestinal permeability, this condition allows the undigested food to enter the bloodstream and prompts an immune attack. If the expecting lady has an unhealthy gut, even if she has a pristine diet, her fetal will be prevented from having of all the nutrients required for his healthy growth.
Increases the level of prolactin
Although higher levels of prolactin, also, known as hyperprolactinemia, is considered normal during and after pregnancy. But, before pregnancy, the higher levels of prolactin due to hypothyroidism do not support ovulation and enlarges the pituitary gland.
Toxic substances have a deep impact on the thyroid which in return affects pregnancy
Your thyroid is deeply impacted by the toxins whether natural or synthetic. The chemicals in products we use daily like the room fresheners, nail polish and plastic water bottles are as much harmful as cigarettes for a developing fetus. The chemicals can be transferred to the bloodstream of the pregnant lady and can reach the fetus through the placenta. This can severely affect the organs and brain not just at birth but even decades after.
Keeping in mind the above-mentioned points, you can blame your thyroid for your unsuccessful attempts for becoming pregnant. Thyroid affects your pregnancy in many ways and may keep you deprived of a delightful feeling you always wanted to cherish.
[Also read about Infertility Treatment in India]
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