Thyroid & Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Thyroid health is critical during pregnancy: the baby depends on your thyroid hormone in the first trimester. Untreated hypothyroidism raises miscarriage and developmental risks. Testing and adjusting medication throughout pregnancy is essential.
Thyroid during pregnancy
Pregnancy increases thyroid hormone demand significantly.
- Test TSH early and monitor throughout pregnancy.
- Levothyroxine dose often needs to increase by 25-50% in the first trimester.
- Untreated hypothyroidism raises miscarriage and developmental risks.
- Hyperthyroidism also needs close management to protect both mother and baby.
Know what your body needs, every day
PhaseBloom turns your cycle into a day-by-day plan for how to eat, move, rest, and care for your skin, so you stop guessing and start working with your hormones.
Know what your body needs, every day
PhaseBloom turns your cycle into a day-by-day plan for how to eat, move, rest, and care for your skin, so you stop guessing and start working with your hormones.
Frequently asked questions
Why does thyroid matter so much in pregnancy?
The baby's brain depends on your thyroid hormone in the first trimester before its own thyroid develops. Untreated hypothyroidism can affect fetal development and raise miscarriage risk.
Do I need more thyroid medication when pregnant?
Usually, yes. Thyroid hormone demand rises in pregnancy, and most women on levothyroxine need dose increases. Testing every four to six weeks guides adjustments.