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Can Thyroid Problem In Pregnancy Cause Brain Damage To The Fetus?

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Posted on Mon, 14 Jul 2014
Question: I just got back from ultrasound. I am 35. The doctor seemed concerned because my free T3 tested at
2.38 and she said it should be 2.5 She didn't say anything about THS (TSH?) or T4. Since I am already 13 weeks pregnant and if the THS ad T4 is indeed normal, should I worry about my infant having brain damage or other problems? Is it too late at this point to correct any abnormalities with hormone therapy (if needed)? Thanks!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hello

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Good day.
Please do not worry. The chances of anomaly to the infant is extremely low even in uncontrolled hypothyroidism and the infant brain damage etc are more seen in text books rather than in real life clinical practice.

It is best to keep the TSH below 2.5 in first three months of pregnancy and less than 3 in the rest of pregnancy. In that way, the chances of maternal and fetal complications are extremely low or absent
.
TSH carries more weightage than Free T3 and Free T4 (in pregnncy) since the free hormone assays are not that great in pregnancy. Infact T4 and T3 varies due to pregnancy hormone changes and if your TSH is < 2.5, no need to worry.

Regards
Binu
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1439 Questions

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Can Thyroid Problem In Pregnancy Cause Brain Damage To The Fetus?

Brief Answer: Hello Detailed Answer: Hello, Good day. Please do not worry. The chances of anomaly to the infant is extremely low even in uncontrolled hypothyroidism and the infant brain damage etc are more seen in text books rather than in real life clinical practice. It is best to keep the TSH below 2.5 in first three months of pregnancy and less than 3 in the rest of pregnancy. In that way, the chances of maternal and fetal complications are extremely low or absent . TSH carries more weightage than Free T3 and Free T4 (in pregnncy) since the free hormone assays are not that great in pregnancy. Infact T4 and T3 varies due to pregnancy hormone changes and if your TSH is < 2.5, no need to worry. Regards Binu