Thyroid and pregnancy

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Hi Everyone

just looking to see if anyone else has experienced something similar as I can’t find much information online.

I am 14 weeks pregnant and had a thyroidectomy (complete removal of the thyroid gland) in 2018. This was after years of treatment for an overactive thyroid and Graves’ disease.

I now take levothyroxine and have been pretty consistent with my blood test results. However since getting pregnant my levels have been off. I’m under the care of the endocrinology team at my local hospital and they are very good.

Really, I’m just looking to see if anyone else has gone through something similar and what their experiences have been.

Thanks

I am almost 11 weeks pregnant with an underactive thyroid after a semi-thyroidectomy a good 12 ago. My thyroid levels are good on med, and TSH below 1. I've not had a blood test since I was pregnant though so I am a bit nervous. I've flagged it with the midwife.

Were you referred to the hospital by your midwife or are you under their care anyway?

Forgot to add: my midwife said that levels can fluctuate in pregnancy and meds can be adjusted accordingly.

If reliant on thyroxine you need to increase your thyroxine accordingly, and it's during the first and second trimester that it's most needed. If you're under an endo they should know this and you should have been monitored?

I would make an appointment to speak to gp not midwife and ask for a tsh check.

As you've some thyroid you may be ok - it grows to accommodate the extra needs of baby. But definitely important to get it checked.

If you have any issues flagging with GP; show them this and tell them to check the nice guidelines asap.

www.btf-thyroid.org/pregnancy-and-thyroid-disorders-guidance-for-patients

My first pregnancy was many years ago and it was an absolute battle to be heard and find the right info. It was a very stressful pregnancy. Also made harder as the brand of thyroxine I was on at the time was faulty and withdrawn. (They've stricter rules now. He's absolutely fine now mind you!)

Btf worked hard with NICE to make sure it was clear what should happen.?

Your dosage will probably need to be increased throughout first and second trimester. I was briefly out of range at around 10 weeks. The main thing is you keep on top of it, insist to be tested every few weeks. Went from 100 to 175mg, then dropped down again during third tri which is the normal trajectory. As long as properly managed, you shouldn't be considered high risk.