During pregnancy, the level of hormones can be both above and below the norm. That is why it is very important to monitor their number. This will provide the mother with confidence that the baby will be born healthy and without various pathologies. During pregnancy, doctors pay special attention to the level of TSH, which regulates the thyroid gland.
Through the pituitary gland that controls the endocrine system, thyroid-stimulating hormone is produced. With the help of these substances, the work of internal organs is regulated. According to a blood test, based on certain TSH indicators, it is possible to judge the course of pregnancy. In this way, specialists can detect hormonal disruptions in a woman’s body that can harm a child.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone during pregnancy
This substance affects the quality of the thyroid gland. She, in turn, is responsible for the metabolic processes of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, regulates the activity of the reproductive, nervous and cardiac systems, as well as the gastrointestinal tract.
Many do not understand why it is necessary to control the TSH during pregnancy. It is important to know that thyroid hormones stimulate the body of the ovary, whose work contributes to the normal course of pregnancy.
As a result of increased blood supply, thyroid activity increases. TSH during pregnancy (norm 1 trimester, in particular, contains very low rates) must be monitored.
What should be the indicators?
A woman, first of all, should be registered at the clinic, where the gynecologist, after examination, will prescribe the passage of the most important tests. Among other things, you must constantly monitor your TSH during pregnancy. The norm (1 trimester) has generally accepted indicators from 0.1 to 2.0 honey / l. At the beginning of pregnancy, the number of the hormone will differ from subsequent periods, but it should not exceed the indicated rate before the onset of labor.
Table of thyroid-stimulating hormone norms
The list indicates how low the TSH rate during pregnancy (1 trimester). The table also contains those indicators that should be in all three cycles of bearing the fetus. In addition, much will depend on the state of health of the woman. At the beginning of pregnancy, you can see a reduced hormone content. But do not worry: such a TSH during pregnancy is the norm (1 trimester is most prone to fluctuations in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone). If the mother already had problems with the thyroid gland before conception, then it is necessary to immediately pass tests to determine the level of hormones. During this period, the fetus has no secretion of thyroid hormones. There remains one source - the maternal organism. Because of this, an increase in T 3 and a decrease in T 4 can be seen in the mother’s blood . Therefore, it is necessary to constantly monitor TSH during pregnancy. The norm of 1 trimester can be quite low, but this is understandable and not dangerous.
| The timing | Indications of the norm, honey / l |
| 1 trimester | 0.1-2.0 |
| 2 trimester | 0.2-3.0 |
| 3 trimester | 0.3-3.0 |
At the second stage of pregnancy, the baby develops the thyroid gland and hormone production is normalized. At this time, thyroxine levels decrease, and thyroid stimulating hormone increases. In subsequent trimesters, the hormone level becomes higher, but this does not mean that it should exceed the permissible norms.
Small deviations are not able to harm the mother and the fetus, but a significant difference should be a signal that measures need to be taken.
TSH above normal
The hormone indicator during pregnancy can be several times higher than normal, which leads to the development of hypothyroidism. At this point, the thyroid gland reduces its activity and does not synthesize hormones in the required volume. TSH above normal during pregnancy (1 trimester) may signal the presence of a pituitary or thyroid tumor.
It is very important to reduce this level, otherwise the child will not receive the substances necessary for the development of the thyroid gland. All this can lead to an early miscarriage or pathology.
Symptoms of High TSH
With an increased level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, one can feel tiredness and fatigue. The following symptoms are also present:
- Pale skin appears.
- You can observe a low temperature.
- Also, body weight can increase with a complete absence of a feeling of hunger.
- Insomnia appears.
- Swelling is noticeable.
These symptoms suggest that a woman's TSH may increase during pregnancy. What it is? Norm TSH is able to deviate from generally accepted values, and the listed symptoms are observed during the usual course of the gestation period. Only the competent doctor can figure out these nuances. When TSH is elevated during pregnancy, causes, symptoms can be very diverse. That is why it is better to play it safe and take blood tests for hormones. Judging by the results of the analysis, the doctor will draw a conclusion and draw up a correct treatment plan.
TSH below normal during pregnancy
There are situations in which this indicator can be not only increased, but also reduced.
Symptoms of low TSH are manifested as follows:
- Headaches may appear.
- Blood pressure becomes unstable.
- You can also observe an increase in temperature.
- Body weight can decrease dramatically, while appetite, on the contrary, increases.
- There is nervousness and aggression.
In such cases, you can not self-medicate. If any symptoms are found, consult a doctor immediately.
Low hormone levels during pregnancy lead to hyperthyroidism. During this period, the thyroid gland produces a large amount of these substances. Thyroid stimulating hormone levels are reduced due to stress or due to the development of tumors. All this negatively affects the health of the pregnant woman and the unborn child. To prevent such consequences, it is necessary to take drugs that suppress the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
Council of specialists
Doctors who deal with this problem recommend a certain diet to increase TSH during pregnancy. Protein foods should be consumed, and fats, carbohydrates and salts should be limited. Buckwheat, beets, lettuce and seaweed are considered very useful.
What is the danger of increased thyroid stimulating hormone during pregnancy?
A very undesirable moment during pregnancy is an increase in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, since this leads to improper development of the fetus. It is very important to take urgent measures because a child can be born with mental and physical problems.
The greatest threat is present at the beginning of pregnancy - during this period the most important organs of the fetus begin to form. The child perceives the hormonal background of the mother due to the lack of functions of his own thyroid gland.
With an increased level of TSH, a woman can experience various diseases:
- Severe gestosis.
- Cholecystectomy and various neoplasms.
- You may notice problems with adrenal gland activity.
- Excessive levels of the hormone can lead to mental or somatic disorders.
These are very serious diseases that cause enormous harm to the body of the mother and child, so you need to pay attention to them on time.
How to cope with an increased level of thyroid stimulating hormone?
It is necessary to start treatment only when the TSH level is significantly higher than normal. If the deviations are small, then nothing can be done. Of course, such a decision is made solely by the doctor.
This should be monitored starting from the first trimester. If treatment is started on time, many problems can be avoided.
Drug use
Often use various analogues of "Thyroxine". Iodine-containing drugs may be needed. These funds are prescribed by the attending physician and are usually taken for a long time. Start taking with a small dose. Without a doctor’s prescription, these drugs can not be used, because they are selected individually.
Disease prevention
Many are confused when they find out that they have elevated TSH levels during pregnancy. Already during its planning, it is necessary to protect yourself from such troubles. To do this, you need to take tests for hormones. If there is any problem, then it is urgent to take treatment
What do we have to do?
Your doctor may advise you to take Iodomarin. It is because of the lack of this substance that the hormone level is unstable. You can not take hormonal drugs uncontrollably. Specialists can control the process based on the conclusions made only after passing the tests.
It is very important for a pregnant woman to relax more often. During this period, light gymnastic exercises and walks in the fresh air are useful. You can not self-medicate, on the contrary, you must immediately visit a doctor.
Useful Tips
There is an interesting fact that iodine enters the thyroid cells only in the tenth week, and in the fourth month of pregnancy hormones begin to develop in the fetus. If the described condition progresses in severe form, then giving birth is prohibited. But there are cases when you can independently normalize the activity of the thyroid gland. For this, it is necessary to introduce iodized salt into your diet. For the normal course of pregnancy, you need to follow all the recommendations of doctors and more often be in a good mood.