Does NHS test the thyroid level during the early pregnancy blood test?

[starchildmum]

Hi

I have just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism which is a dysfunctioning of the thyroid and can have severe effects if left untreated ( MC, low birth weight, pre eclampsia, slow mental functioning and developmental problems with baby and many other problems )

My question: during the early blood test is this check part of the routine test?

Its part of the routine testing in Germany and now I am 7 weeks pregnant and found out today. I will start medication soon ( as soon as prescription has been send to me) and according to my doctor it should all be fine.

However with DD1 I have only done the standard UK blood test and she was born early with a low birth weight. Otherwise she is fine but I was wondering if my thyroid might have already been not working 3 years ago I would have liked to find out during the pregnancy.

No you need to get it added on to the booking bloods the midwife will do this, are you on levothyroxine already? If yes you should up your dose by 25mcg and have your bloods done every 4 weeks during pregnancy aiming to have a tsh less than 2, speak to your gp they can advise you
Hope this helps x

Gp can up your dosage and then regular tests will show up whether it needs to be adjusted or not. It's pretty straightforward to manage during pregnancy. Good luck :)

It's not standard here in the UK but you will find that generally there are more check-ups in Germany, esp. as the health care system is so very differently structured. You'll get an extra scan at around 30 weeks, too.

I'm German in the UK and I miss having an Ob-Gyn.

Exactly what Toffeecrispyum said. Be aware that your midwife and gp may know next to nothing about hypothyroidism and do your own reading up about it. I've lost count of the number of times i've been told my results are normal when they are indicating there is a problem. Normal ranges in this country are not helpful.

BTW I had a 34 weeker and 4 MCs and pretty sure my undiagnosed borderline hypothyroidism was to blame.

My hypothyroidism was to blame for my mc. And it was nowhere near off the scale back then - I have regular testing for another medicine I take. So please do ask your consultant :)

I was hypothyroid and on high thyroxine for 6 years before I was pregnant with DD. Levels checked monthly through hospital, but hit all time high after delivery and left me very ill. Was told I wouldnt even conceive before I got pregnant as thyroid had effected too may things, she was conceived whilst I was on the mini pill

Well, no I have just found out as I did the standard blood test related to pregnancy in Germany with my ob-gyn over there and she found out. Now I am almost 8 weeks and starting the medication. I am just hoping i am early enough and no damage has been done to the little one!!!! B

I am also surprised that it is not offered to all woman here in the UK as it is so important!!!!

I am 23 weeks and it's only just been identified that I need thyroxine. I'm sure at 8 weeks, you're going to be fine.