Can somebody please tell me how often I should have my Thyroid tested??...

[LullyMummaOfOne]

I have suffered with an underactive Thyroid since sept 06 after the birth of my DS. It has been under control since and im only taking 50mg of Thryoxine.

Im now 10+5 weeks pregnant and wondered if i should be tested more frequent. The last time i was tested was early Nov and the results were fine.

Is this testing during pregency up to my midwife or myself to arrange? Sorry for all the questions but my midwife i spoke to at my booking in opt wasnt really helpful and told me to contact my GP if i was concerned.

Any advise would be great. Thanks

[serenity]

Ok. I'm usually tested every 6 months. When I was pg with DD I had an additional bloodtest around 12 weeks, and then iirc nearer the end of the pg. I usually have go to a separate Midwife led clinic for my antenatal care but because of the hypothyroidism I had to have 'shared care' between the clinic and my GP - it was my GP who took the lead on the thyroid thing, although it was the midwives who said I had to have the additional tests (does that make any sense?)

I'd go to your GP, make sure they know you're PG and get them to monitor you as well as the midwives.

Be aware that your baby will need bloodtests after they are born, at birth (I think), 7 and 14 days. Low thyroid levels in babies/children can have quite serious consquences.

[LullyMummaOfOne]

Thats very helpful, thanks for letting me know.

[pleasecutmygrass]

I'm currently 30 weeks and have been tested 3 times so far with at least one more test to come.

During my pregnancy the consultant has increased my Thyroxine due to a change in my thyroid. It's quite common apparently during pregnancy for this to happen which is why I would push your GP and midwife for regular tests (both of whom have taken an active role in this during my pregnancy).

Hope that helps and good luck!

[vacaloca]

I had blood tests done every 6 weeks throughout the pregnancy and was referred to an endocrinologist, but that may have been because mine wasn't completely under control at the time.

[BarbaraWoodlouse]

Did you already increase your thyroxine? I currently take 75mg but have been advised by endocrinology clinic that current guidance is to increase by 1/3 (ie up to 100mg in my case) when TTC and during pregnancy (at least the first part of pregnancy, not sure if throughout).

Don't mean to scare you if you haven't but would suggest contacting GP (unless you are also under the care of an endocrinologist) and asking for a blood test and some advice as soon as you can.

[LullyMummaOfOne]

No i havent increased my Thryoxine since taking it, ive always been on 50mg since diagnosed with this problem. Will call my GP now to make an opt to discuss. thanks for your help

[goldenpig]

Hi there - the levels should show up in the bloods taken by the midwife - mine called me and told me to go to GP and get the dose upped - it is common for the dose to increase during pregnancy, so speak to GP.

Not heard about the blood tests for the newborn - my son is 18 months now and is as fit as a fiddle, no tests proffered at all.

Good luck - and if you want to, you can still safely breastfeed whilst on the thyroxine, no probs.

[serenity]

All newborns are tested for congential hypothyroidism from the blood taken at the heelprick test - the problem with babies of mothers with HT is that thyroxine taken during pg by the mother can mask any problems the baby might have - so they generally retest after a week to check that the baby's thyroid levels are OK by itself. No idea what results they look for tbh, for me personly, DD had to go back at 7 and 14 days. It's just something to be aware of, so that if it happens you don't freak out (because that's easy to do when you've just given birth! )

[serenity]

excuse abysmal spelling, have godawful migraine (am on here for distraction!)