Adverse effects of hormones on the baby (Hypothyroidism)
The thyroid gland usually produces hormones called T3 and T4 which regulate the body’s metabolism, that is, how the body applies or uses and stores energy. And when the thyroid gland can’t make enough thyroid hormone, it’s called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a treatable disease of the child.
But without treatment, the child can become mentally handicapped for life. There are other problems with it. And with a little awareness, you can get rid of this disease forever. Therefore, it is mandatory to test for this disease in different countries of the world. This rule was also introduced in Bangladesh for some time. It is usually difficult to understand the signs or symptoms of this disease in the case of a fetus during pregnancy. If a pregnant mother has hypothyroidism and is not treated properly, it can be a risk to both the mother and the baby. The thyroid hormone of a pregnant woman is very important not only for her but also for the development of her child.
Pregnant women with uncontrolled hypothyroidism may suffer from high blood pressure, anemia, muscle aches and weakness. There is a risk of miscarriage, premature birth and even premature death of the baby.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
(1) Fetus: Abortion, Stillbirth, Cretinism
(2) Neonatal: Jaundice late recovery, umbilical hernia, very soft palate especially bone joints.
(3) Children up to the first year: Eating problems, sleep deprivation, frequent tiredness, dark crying, thick-heavy tongue, feeling too soft for the baby.
(4) Older children: People who have congenital hypothyroidism, but have not been treated, may have intellectual disabilities, shortness of breath, hearing problems and heart problems.
Tests: Blood tests (T4. TSH), X-rays (knees, hands), ultrasound (thyroid gland and others) and isotope scans. To get rid of this disease, all pregnant mothers should have thyroid skin scan as soon as their pregnancy is confirmed. And those who already know this type of problem, they should be tested before trying to get pregnant and during the first and second and trimester of pregnancy.
Replacing thyroid hormone in a mother who has hypothyroidism is safe for pregnant women. It is important to remember that thyroid hormone levels need to be normal both before and during pregnancy. If a mother has already taken hormones to treat hypothyroidism, she should have her thyroid hormone levels checked before trying to conceive.
If a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism has been made during pregnancy, you should bring your T4 level back to normal as soon as possible. Thyroid tests during pregnancy should be done every 4 to 6 weeks before delivery. Pregnant mothers need to take daily prescription pregnancy vitamins to make sure they get enough iodine. And keep in mind that breastfeeding mothers need about 250 micrograms of iodine per day. So iodine must be added to the food list. The most important thing to keep in mind is the vitamin or calcium and iron supplement.
Food should not be taken in combination with thyroid medication. These nutrients can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption. These vitamins should be taken at least 2 or 3 hours before taking thyroxine. Even then, if for some reason the child seems to have hypothyroidism, you need to see a pediatrician on an urgent basis. It should be kept in mind that the disease can be completely controlled with treatment. The patient has no complications. The child has the right intellect and is fully developed. The important thing is that the medicine cannot be stopped without the advice of a doctor. The follow-up must come at the specified time (which is pre-determined). The medicine should be taken on an empty stomach, the dose of the medicine should not be missed. In this way it is possible to get rid of hypothyroid disease and its complications completely.
Author: Consultant, Department of Pediatrics, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
Chamber: (1) Dr. Nafisa’s Child Care, Shah Makhdum, Rajshahi. (2) Amana Hospital, Jhautli Mor, Laxmipur, Rajshahi. Mobile-01974149049.
