Thyroid problems (high TSH) in early pregnancy?

[Victoria111]

Hi ladies,
I am worried sick at the minute and I’m hoping someone has experience in this and can point me in the right direction.

Quick back story: after the birth of my daughter, I seem to have developed hypothyroidism which I desperately tried to get under control before ttc our second. I had to literally beg my GP for medication and she finally gave in and put me on half of the lowest dose (12.5mcg).

Fortunately this got my TSH down to 2.7 and I was able to conceive. I’m not even 5 weeks pregnant and after requesting my bloods to be taken- my TSH already shot up to 5.2!! All the literature I read states the same thing: TSH levels must be between 0.1 and 2.5 within the first trimester; or the baby could be seriously affected. My GP was very blasé about it and suggested we increase my already measly dose to 25mcg and test again in 4 weeks. I hate that we’re playing catch-up in these crucial weeks and I fear the small increase will barely make an impact; and we won’t even know until I’m 9 weeks pregnant when we test again... 😬

Sorry for the long rant. Anyone experience something similar? What would you do?

Up your thyroxine dose- British Thyroid Foundation says to up it by 25mcg/day. I did that- was already on 75mcg so went up to 100, then eventually my TSH got too low so now I'm back on 75. You should get a blood test every 4 weeks or so to check your levels. Ask to be referred to an endocrinologist, a lot of GPs aren't that well informed on thyroid issues in general, and how they affect pregnancy in particular!

this website may be useful.

The British Thyroid Foundation’s advice is not for everyone - taking more thyroxine than you need any harm the baby far more than not taking enough. I strongly suggest making an appointment with an endriconologist (pay for it if you can’t get a referral from your GP). They will test you for antibodies and review your doses properly.

Thank you! Fortunately, my midwife got on my GP’s case this afternoon. I’ve been referred to an endocrinologist who has already looked at my numbers and recommended I start taking 50 mcg immediately!

I'm hypo, have been for the past 8 years and have been pretty stable with my dose in that time. I was a bit concerned when I found out I was pregnant, the Dr and the hospital have been doing regular blood tests and eventually upped my dose by the recommended 25% but this wasn't until I was in my second trimester. I've been feeling fine and blood tests have all been 'within range' so I'm hoping all is OK.
The lack of knowledge by medical staff looking after me is a bit concerning, they're relying on Google far too much for my liking. My midwife did say the baby will take what she needs and leave me deficient which is a slight relief but I'd rather we both got what we need!
Lack of knowledge on thyroid issues is shocking, no one seems to know anything!

12.5 is nothing! I was borderline underactive before pregnancy and was on 50 then! It wasn't enough as the pregnancy carried on so since about 16 weeks I've been on 75, which is working really well. The good news is that your midwife sounds like she's on the case and you'll be seen by the endocrinology team throughout your pregnancy

@Victoria111 I have just come across your message after having a sleepless night googling a similar problem to what you had. I know this is an old thread so I hope you are well and your little one is fine and healthy. I was hoping you could give me some reassurance about how the rest of your pregnancy went and how your baby is developing. Would be very much appreciated. Thanks

Hi So2020, what a coincidence - I just came on to update this thread. Yes I can absolutely reassure you - my beautiful little boy turns 1 this month. Once I was under the care of my endocrinologist, the rest of the pregnancy was completely smooth-sailing. I demanded a lot of blood tests at the beginning and my med dosage finally settled at 75mcg for the remainder of the pregnancy. I went down to 25mcg as soon as he was born and still on it today but hope to wean off once I stop breastfeeding. The birth was fantastic, quick & completely free of complications. But most importantly my little boy is wonderful & perfect. He is already walking, saying "mama, dada", gorgeously cheeky and developmentally the same as my daughter at the same age. I actually forget the anguish this thyroid stuff gave me at the beginning and I know how nerve-wracking it can be. I hope this gives you solid peace of mind ❤

Oh and I have name changed since 2019, but I am the original poster 😆

@Soggybiscuits17 thank you so much for your message! Unfortunately this journey has ended before it could really start. I don’t know whether the tsh played a part but it’s been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. But your message has filled me with hope and I will sure to demand to see an Endo. I am glad your little man is doing well and wish him a great 1st birthday!

Could I just ask was there any problems with the nuchal translucency (nt) at your 12 weeks scan? I had some issues in a previous pregnancy and wondering if the thyroid could have been the reason for this too.

Oh I am so sorry to hear this. Yes, I would absolutely urge your GP for a referral to a specialist so they can ensure your levels are at the optimal level for conception. Pregnancy is stressful enough, so having an expert on-board will be a huge weight off your shoulders.

There was no cause for concern with the nuchal translucency in any of my scans. Wishing you lots of luck in your journey ahead💓