Mum on thyroxine - blood tests for newborn?

[cantmakecarrotcake]

Hoping someone can help me know what to expect. I was diagnosed hypothyroid (secondary to pituitary empty sella) between my 2 pregnancies. I'm now taking thyroxine and have been closely monitored throughout this pregnancy.

I'm pretty sure they'll be doing blood tests on me after the birth (ELCS for good reasons) to check T4 levels but are they likely to want to test the baby too?

DD1 had to have a cannula after she was born for blood tests as I had an infection. I wasn't really prepared emotionally for it and just want to know what's likely to happen this time.

TIA :-)

[cantmakecarrotcake]

Anyone?

[tortoisesarefab]

Neither of mine have had specific blood tests and I take thyroxine regularly. I think the heel prick test checks for hypothyroidism hth

[cantmakecarrotcake]

Fab, thanks for responding. I was a total mess watching DD1's cannula being put in (had to leave the room) so wanted to prepare myself if it was going to happen this time.

Didn't know that about the heel prick test. I should probably actually read the leaflet the HV gave me!

[Fairylea]

I have severe hypothyroidism and pituitary problems (micro tumour) and was on lots of medications and they still didn't give ds any blood tests when he was born. (Nor dd 10 years earlier).

[minipie]

Yep standard newborn heel prick blood test checks for hypothyroidism.

[Stormystar]

I'm on thyroxine, was with my two pregnancy, and both babies had to have blood test, had to go to children's outpatient in the main hospital to have it done.
Same sort of procedure as a heel prick, but obviously more blood.
Maybe it different, depending where you live?!

[Christelle2207]

Again mine had to have a heel prick test I think when he was about 2 weeks old, at the childrens outpatients at the hospital. However there was something wrong with the sample so poor Ds had to get it done twice. I don't remeber him being particularly bothered by it, was mostly just a faff getting him there and back.

[Theorientcalf]

I'm hypothyroid and neither of my DC have had blood tests. From what I understand if you're hyperthyroid they do, I remember the midwife telling me.

DS is four months now and I've only just decreased my meds as my TSH went too low.

[Malemidwifeshockhorror]

Most units recommend testing thyroid function on day 4. Guidelines actually say to test only if there is a maternal history of Graves' disease, but most paediatric consultants like to test every baby where the mother has thyroid problems.

[Malemidwifeshockhorror]

Christelle,
Taking the test is a pain as you need two blood bottles, and they tend to begin clotting as soon as you've taken them unless the midwife/doctor has been really careful to shake them. Loads of them get sent back, which is horrid for you and your baby.