1ST CITY CLINICAL HOSPITAL

The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. It controls the body's metabolism - the rate of energy burning, protein synthesis and the degree of sensitivity of the body to other hormones. It performs these functions with the help of the produced thyroid hormones - thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

During pregnancy, normal functioning of the thyroid gland is very important, because... its hormones promote the growth and development of the fetus, especially the central nervous system and bones, which, thanks to these hormones, are properly saturated with minerals.

Thyroid diseases are 8-10 times more common in women than in men. The most common thyroid diseases are:

1. Thyroiditis - inflammation of the thyroid gland
2. Hyperthyroidism
3. Hypothyroidism
4. Goiter
5. Thyroid cancer

Untreated thyroid diseases during pregnancy pose a danger to the expectant mother and the developing fetus. In recent years, the prevalence of thyroid diseases in women during pregnancy has been increasing. The onset of pregnancy can lead to both worsening and improvement of previous thyroid disease.

It is very important for a pregnant woman to take an interest in the condition of her thyroid gland, since this organ, if its functioning is impaired, does not hurt, and its enlargement can go unnoticed for a long time.

The thyroid gland of a pregnant woman feels a double load, because works on two organisms at once. The formation of the thyroid gland occurs at 4-5 weeks, and from 12 weeks it begins to function (accumulate iodine and synthesize hormones), by 16-17 weeks it is fully formed and actively functioning. The only source of iodine for a child’s formed thyroid gland is the iodine that functions in the mother’s blood. If a pregnant woman’s diet does not contain enough iodine, the thyroid gland sharply reduces the production of hormones, which negatively affects the development of the baby: even if he was born physically healthy, his mental abilities may be lower than those of his peers.

A pregnant woman's diet should be complete and balanced. A lot of iodine is found in seafood, fish, seaweed, potatoes, tomatoes, beets, kiwi, and persimmon. The daily requirement of iodine during pregnancy is 150-200 mg per day.

The main thyroid dysfunctions include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Both conditions have negative effects on the fetus and pregnancy outcome. Pregnant women with thyroid pathology should be monitored by an obstetrician and constantly consulted by an endocrinologist. To identify the type of thyroid dysfunction, perform a blood test to determine thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone.

With hypothyroidism, the function of the thyroid gland decreases and insufficient hormones are produced, which very often becomes the reason that a woman cannot become pregnant at all.

If pregnancy does occur, the pregnant woman usually experiences the following symptoms:

• weakness, drowsiness
• decreased performance
• forgetfulness
• weight gain, edema
• dry skin and hair
• constipation, hemorrhoid symptoms
• anxiety and depression often develop.

Throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding it is necessary to carry out iodine prophylaxis with physiological doses of iodine. If there is a lack of thyroid hormones, replacement therapy is carried out in the form of thyroxine hormones.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism, in which the activity of the thyroid gland is excessively increased. Excessive production of thyroid hormones has an extremely toxic effect on the developing fetus, poisoning it and provoking the development of various deformities and even fetal death. Such pregnant women are prescribed antithyroid drugs that can suppress thyroid function.

Pregnant women with hyperthyroidism should exclude iodine from food and household items:

• do not lubricate wounds with iodine
• replace iodized salt with regular salt
• Remove foods that contain a lot of iodine from your diet.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis):

1. noticeable enlargement of the thyroid gland
2. frequent urination
3. rapid weight loss
4. excessive sweating
5. increase in body temperature.
6. increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat.
7. sudden changes in mood, sleep disturbance, irritability.

Thanks to modern medicine, under the strict supervision of obstetricians and endocrinologists, it is possible to avoid complications from improper functioning of the thyroid gland, and to carry and give birth to a healthy baby, even for pregnant women with a long and chronic course of the disease.

Pregnant women living in Minsk and suffering from thyroid diseases are observed in 4 antenatal clinics and give birth in the maternity ward of the 1st City Clinical Hospital.