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It is fairly common for women with thyroid conditions, especially if they are not taken care of properly, to have problems conceiving children. They can also often suffer from recurrent miscarriages.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Pregnant women with hypothyroidism are at a greater risk of miscarriage, maternal heart failure, preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Some recent studies have also uncovered a correlation between low thyroid hormone and lower IQs in babies. Other studies have found that hypothyroidism increases the risk of breeched births and stunted motor skills in children. Hypothyroidism can be treated with synthetic thyroid hormone that does not hurt fetuses.
Hyperthyroidism is much less common, and occurs when the thyroid is overactive rather than underactive (like with hypothyroidism). Graves’ disease most commonly causes hyperthyroidism. Graves disease is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to produce an antibody that stimulates the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone.
All that being said, countless women with thyroid problems have reported healthy pregnancies and births as long as they remained in close contact with their doctors, their thyroid levels were checked regularly and their medications (if applicable) were taken regularly and as directed.
