First Consultant appt for Thyroid and Higher BMI

[SeekingTact]

Hi Mumsnetters,
I’m in my late 30s and am pregnant with my first. I’ve received two consultant appointments for next week which will be wk15 for me and then another midwife appointment a week later.

Luckily, I generally enjoy good health. I piled on weight over lockdown, so have a higher BMI at the moment. I also have a low functioning thyroid and anti-thyroid antibodies managed with daily levothyroxine.

While I am delighted with the diligence, I feel a little anxious with the extra clinical contact. I’ve asked my midwife what to expect, and she just told me they were meetings for the thyroid and higher BMI. No concern re age. I’m anticipating judgment and prescriptive restrictions of how I can deliver. But I might be over thinking it.

So I’m prepped, can anyone explain to me exactly what happens during such appointments? Are there tests? Do they weigh you again? Are there physical exams?

Any info you can kindly share with me? Thank you!

Hey,

I’m also have a under active thyroid (as well as a myriad of other things) so I’m consultant lead and having extra appointments.

As far as the thyroid is concerned I have to have bloods every 4 weeks and I’m on an increased dosage until delivery. Have you had your tsh tested/ reviewed since you became pregnant?

Higher BMI they sometimes prescribe an increased folic acid dosage but my knowledge of that is based on a friend’s experience. I know I’m some areas they might encourage you to a healthy eating meeting but that was pre-covid and not compulsory.

Consultant appointments tend to just be conversations about medical history and laying out what the plan of action will be, reasons why and gives you an opportunity to ask questions.

to be honest, I welcome any extra care/ appointments and I’ve been really impressed so far with how thorough everyone is being.

hope you have a healthy remaining 6 months!

Thank so much for this @Happycroc! It’s really, really helpful.
I did have my TSH tested at booking-in appt, but not since. In that same appt, I also got prescribed extra folic acid and low dose aspirin as the higher BMI requires. That’s all going fine.

I agree, it is great that they are keeping a closer eye. Just fearful of getting told-off for being fat. It’s the way it usually is - fatness always seems to be the cause of any single ailment... That said, I’ve been treated v well by the midwife so far. I’m sure there’s little to worry about.

Thanks again for sharing.

Hi!

Hope you don't mind I have just stumbled across this thread whilst looking for some more info regarding underactive thyroid and pregnancy....

I have been TTC for 9 months now with no success. I have recently had some bloods done and my GP has contacted me this afternoon to say that my TSH is slightly raised which they wouldn't usually be concerned about but considering I am TTC they would like it to be at the low end of normal... I am now wondering if this the reason we haven't yet conceived although I have very regular cycles and no issues with heavy periods or anything like that...

I just wondered if anyone had any experience of TTC with high TSH and whether Levothyroxine is likely to help?

Sorry, I am a bit of a worrier and now frantically looking for things I can do to resolve this!!

TIA x

Do you know what your TSH was @mgwyegve ? I’m amazed (in a really good way) that the GP has highlighted it being slightly higher than optimal for TTC, usually GP’s aren’t that on the ball with TSH and if it’s within “normal range” they just fob you off!

I had ivf and the clinic (and other studies etc) recommend a tsh below 2.4, if you’re above this then a low dose of Levothyroxine will help to bring it down but it’s not an immediate thing, you’ll have to take it everyday (at least half an hour before any food or drink, especially caffeine) and retest in 4-6 weeks to monitor if you are on the right dose.

as far as TTC is concerned, my understanding is that there is a link between elevated TSH and miscarriage, elevated TSH doesn’t negatively impact conception but might not be optimal for pregnancy. That’s my understanding from my experience but I’m happy to be told I’m wrong!