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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Low Thyroid Levels During Early Trimester Affect The Fetus?

Hello, I'm 12-weeks pregnant and yesterday, my doctor said my thyroid levels came back low from my blood test and will be starting me on a low dose of thyroid meds. I know it's pertinent for a fetus to have thyroid hormones from the mother until around the 12th week of pregnancy. I was wondering what the likelihood of my baby being born healthy and with no developmental delays (from the lack of thyroid hormones in the last 12 weeks) are. Any thoughts, please??
I am 31, 5'4, 170 lbs., and am healthy otherwise.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Sat, 4 Jul 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 6 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Welcome to HCM! I have understood your concern.

Low thyroid levels indicate low functioning of Thyroid gland. This condition may affect the baby in different ways; effect on intellectual development of the baby or even abortions are also known to occur. If baby develops Hypothyroidism resulting into swelling of thyroid gland, there can be difficulty in delivery also.

With low thyroid functioning, even you may face health problems like lethargy, mood swings, low appetite, etc.

Please follow your doctor's advice and take the thyroid medicine that is prescribed to you. By taking the medicine with proper monitoring of TSH levels, your baby will not have ill effects.

I hope, this has given you good amount of confidence.
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Can Low Thyroid Levels During Early Trimester Affect The Fetus?

Welcome to HCM! I have understood your concern. Low thyroid levels indicate low functioning of Thyroid gland. This condition may affect the baby in different ways; effect on intellectual development of the baby or even abortions are also known to occur. If baby develops Hypothyroidism resulting into swelling of thyroid gland, there can be difficulty in delivery also. With low thyroid functioning, even you may face health problems like lethargy, mood swings, low appetite, etc. Please follow your doctor s advice and take the thyroid medicine that is prescribed to you. By taking the medicine with proper monitoring of TSH levels, your baby will not have ill effects. I hope, this has given you good amount of confidence.