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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Elevated TSH in pregnancy

8 replies

mgwyegve · 14/12/2022 06:40

So.. I have recently found out that I’m pregnant after 10 months of trying. Myself and my partner are over the moon!

In October I had some bloods done to see if there was anything obvious preventing us from conceiving. Everything came back normal except my TSH was 4.92. I was told that while this wouldn’t normally be a problem they’d like it on the lower end of normal when TTC and booked for a repeat in 2 months.

I had my repeat bloods on Monday this week after finding out I’m pregnant. I am so worried about the risk of having a miscarriage and adverse effects on baby. I suffer with anxiety anyway so I’m at trying to assure myself that things will be okay and trying not to worry but it’s certainly difficult.

I am 4 weeks today, is there still time to correct my TSH levels and have a healthy pregnancy? Any positive experiences would be much appreciated!

OP posts:

FebMama · 14/12/2022 06:57

I feel like I wrote a very similar post when I first found out I was pregnant!

I am now 32 weeks pregnant and all is going well so far ☺️

It just meant being under the endocrine team at the hospital (two, possibly three hospital appointments max). And being placed on medication, monitored by a couple of blood tests.

I'd never been on any form of medication before like this so I was a bit worried initially but so far so good!

Congratulations x

(Also my TSH levels were higher than yours so again, please try not to worry)

MO22 · 14/12/2022 08:47

I had my TSH levels checked after a miscarriage and they were 8!

So I went on medication and now they are around 1 ish, after a bit of trial and error. I was VERY anxious when I got pregnant again and couldn't get anyone to check my levels for ages but all is fine and I'm 17w tomorrow.

When do you get your results back? Once you have those you will know what you are working with and if necessary they will put you on medication and to speak with consultant or endocrine team. I take one or two tablets a day, just alongside my other supplements and medication and it really doesn't feel like a significant thing any more honestly.

It is very easy and quick to fix so please try not to worry too much (easier said than done I know) and it's early days and you've had a blood test so you are in a good position to crack on with next steps once you have your results.

Original poster

mgwyegve · 14/12/2022 11:07

Ah that’s really helpful and reassuring, thank you! I had my bloods done on Monday so hoping the results will be back either today or tomorrow… hoping it’s early on enough to get things sorted if needs be!

keeping everything crossed!

thank you and congratulations to you both! x

OP posts:

Swissmummy15 · 14/12/2022 11:57

Slightly different case, but I had my thyroid gland removed as a child - so have always and will always take levrothyroxine for life. First pregnancy, I was monitored all the way through and never had to change the dose (even though it is often recommended to take a higher dose in pregnancy) pregnancy number 2 -currently 29 weeks, and for the first 10 weeks my levels were all over the place. Now being monitored more regularly and on a higher dose and everything seems to be more balanced. As long as your levels are tested ever so often- have faith they will get it under control. For me it was difficult to distinguish symptoms (normally I know when something isn’t right) from usuals pregnancy symptoms.

Original poster

mgwyegve · 15/12/2022 16:06

So I had my results back today and my TSH is currently 3.73 so has come down. They’ve said no further action is required. I’ve had a look on my local hospitals guidance and their upper limit for the first trimester is 3.7, so im very slightly over.

Do you think this is okay?

TIA x

OP posts:

lemonybiscuits · 15/12/2022 16:16

I saw the endocrine team this week who advised me they like tsh to be below 2.5 in pregnancy. Your levels seem to be getting lower so that's a good sign and hopefully if you continue your higher dose of thyroxine your tsh will continue to get lower. But if they don't get below 2.5 I'd go back to your GP. Also your midwife should refer you to the endocrine team for hypothyroidism during pregnancy anyway.

lemonybiscuits · 15/12/2022 16:17

Also your GP should usually increase your thyroxine by 25% as soon as you find out you're pregnant so I would get in touch with them. If they aren't aware of this, ask them to call the endocrine team at the local hospital.

Mims101 · 15/12/2022 21:41

Sorry to jump on this thread..
i have read numerous things online about the increased risk of miscarriage if you have raised TSH but I can’t seem to find anything on if there is any additional risk to the baby if you don’t miscarry. Obviously the risk of miscarriage is scary enough but is there a risk of eg brain damage, syndromes etc
i am having problems with my tsh levels in my first trimester and whilst I am worried about miscarriage I wanted to know if I should be worried even if baby survives

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