Undiagnosed Thyroid Issue - could my baby be halmed?

[Zipitydoda]

I am 31 weeks and have just found out that the result of a test I had at booking (10 weeks) was missed and there is something wrong with my thryoid levels - test showed positive for Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody. I don't know if it's overactive or under or how much - Midwife is making an appointment for me to see obstetrician next week.

I asked for the Thyroid test on booking as I had a postnatal thyroid condition after my last baby which resolved itself after about a year. I have had thyroid tests every six months since and they have all been normal, including one I had in July (I got pregnant in September). I have never taken medication for thyroid issues.

I am feeling awful as I googled undiagnosed thyroid issues and pregnancy and mention was made of cognitive and IQ problems in the baby. I feel like it's all my fault as I didn't positively confirm the results of the thyroid test, just trusted in the midwives to tell me if something was wrong and they missed it.

I don't think I have any thyroid symptoms. Feel tired and get out of breath but then I am busy with 2 young children and don't think I am unusually tired. I haven't put on any more/less weight than in previous pregnancies.

I am trying to be positive until I know more but I am so worried for the baby and extra upset about the fact that this should have been picked up 20 weeks ago.

Any knowledgeable advise appreciated!

I don't know much about this but didn't want you to go unanswered, although my mum has hashimotos (whereby her antibodies attack her thyroid gland) so I've done a bit of googling about it all in my time! I think the answer will be that they will test your baby at birth, and if there is impaired thyroid function they can get the baby onto artificial thyroxine if required as soon as poss. You might have the antibody but it not actually be attacking your thyroid (or your baby's) in any noticeable way.

As I say, that's all I could make out from googling when I was worried about the issue, so I would definitely make an appointment to discuss with the midwife and ask what action will be taken.

Good luck with it - I'm sure the baby will be fine.

Zipity

I have Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism. If you have antibodies present then it sounds like that is what you might have too. Although you have antibodies present your thyroid levels may still be okay. You need to know your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level and your T4. Rather than wait for an appointment to see the ob see your GP straight away for the results and they might be able to put on you thyroxine quicker if you need it. I would try not to worry about your precious little one too much - the thing about babies is they take what they need from you - so your levels might be dropping but thats because your baby is taking any thyroxine it needs from you. Simply being pregnant puts a lot more pressure on your thyroid. If your out of breath you might be anaemic? Ask them to check that too .

Also ask about taking a selenium supplement - research has shown that this can lower thyroid antibodies - but please check first with your GP/midwife. I know a lot of pregnant ladies with Hashi Hypothyroid take this and it might help you after the birth because a lot of women have problems after the birth with their thyroid too (sometimes only temporary). Hope this helps and try not to worry too much - if you had a severe problem I think you would have a lot more symptoms. Hope this helps a little bit

Thank you very much for your advice.

I am going to phone the private consultant who I saw when I had the postnatal thyroid issue tomorrow morning. If I go privately I'm hoping he will be able to do and get the results of blood tests quickly.

I am going to stop googling things now until I actually have more facts as I am going round in circles.

Thanks again.