The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, produces hormones that help to regulate metabolism which can effect energy levels, weight, mood, and body temperature. Both hyperthyroidism (making too much of the thyroid hormones) and hypothyroidism (not making enough hormones) can play a role in situations like miscarriage, preeclampsia, and premature birth.
Why wouldn’t women who are planning to get pregnant be encouraged to assess these health factors prior to conception?
— China Rose
The author also mentioned a study that was done at the Warren Albert Medical School of Brown University in Rhode Island. Their findings were that children whose mothers had undetected hypothyroidism during pregnancy had IQs that averaged lower than the children of women with healthy thyroids. The point of the article was that all pregnant women should be screened for thyroid function.
My intention for sharing this information is not to scare anyone, but to merely pose the question, “Why wouldn’t women who are planning to get pregnant be encouraged to assess these health factors prior to conception?”
- a healthy, happy, comfortable pregnancy
- a positive, safe birth with little to no medical intervention
- a shorter recovery period postpartum, and
- a baby who is healthy and present
The first step is to look for signs of dysfunction. When it comes to treatment, prescription thyroid medications are not always the answer. As a nutritional therapist and herbalist, I would look for ways to support the whole endocrine system, as well as the thyroid gland specifically, to allow for better production of a woman’s own hormones. While there are ways to support an under active thyroid during pregnancy, it is much easier to address prior to conception.Contact Us