Low thiroid level diagnosed late in pregnancy.

[EwaLilith]

Hi, I'm 37 weeks pregnant and just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It started with rash and GP decided to make blood test to make sure there a no issues with liver but discovered my thiroid level is low. I'm really worried as I'm not sure how long my levels are low and what sort of impact it can have on my baby. Google suggest low IQ level and development issues which makes me mega anxious. Anyone with similar experience?

Do you know what the results were? I can’t really offer much advice, but I found mine to be slightly on the high side - high means hypo in terms of TSH - when TTC and worked to get them down before I fell pregnant x

Unfortunately I have no idea what results were. GP during first consultation said it is just little bit on lower said, nothing to worry about and requested another test to see is it going down, up or keeps on the same level. When 2nd test come back my GP was not available and had consultation with another doctor who said it went up but she is not sure what to do with it as I'm already late in pregnancy and send letter to my hospital for endocrinologist to review it. On Thursday had consultation with antenatal practitioner who said i need to get on medication that's all, no more information. I try ro question her but been dismissed, she said as I'm already 37 weeks there is no issue regarding miscarriage or premature birth and development delay is just any issue with premature birth. I have done some googling and NHS website defenitly says that untreated thyroid may lead to low IQ etc

@EwaLilith you have a right to see the results, so if you think it’ll help perhaps call the GP and ask for a copy? It may only be marginally elevated and then not so much of a concern x

Thank you, will do on Monday.

Don't panic! Hypothyroidism is most likely to impact your ability to become pregnant or stay pregnant in the very early days. And later on to impact on your energy levels.
Given you're very pregnant you don't need to worry!

Do get started on the thyroxine soon, if your doctor advises. It won't impact you or the baby, but will start to build your energy levels for when baby comes.
I didn't have my Hypothyroidism diagnosed until going through ivf for my second child. I had to start thyroxine before ivf, and I'm so glad i did. I had more energy when pregnant with a toddler, than I'd had for most of my adult life.
You'll be on a higher dose when pregnant and shortly after, then most likely lower the dose. It might take a while to find the right dosage but stick with it.

@Ohladedah thank you so much. I should hopefully start medication on Monday or Tuesday when they finally send out my prescription ( antenatal practitioner messed up and didn't send it out to my local pharmacy, I had to chase it up )

Do start to record your TSH and T4 levels each time you get tested. 0,5 - 4 is 'normal', but under 2.5 is optimal. It'll be hard to find the best range for you when you're exhausted with a little baby, but you'll work it out over time as you should should have a test several times a year. Make sure you test frequently after birth, as the level of meds you need when pregnant can quickly become too high as your body adjusts to not needing to supply baby.