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Thyroid (goiter)
Thyroid monitoring in pregnancy
Short answer
The fetus's organs form during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (organogenesis). Any problem with the thyroid hormones (T4, T3) in this period can disrupt this process. That is why we recommend seeing pregnant women with a thyroid problem once a month in the first three months, sometimes even every two weeks. Once the values are under control, patients are examined every 2–3 months (video).
Schematic; the doctor sets the frequency individually.
General information
- A drop in TSH in the first trimester. During pregnancy, TSH sometimes falls sharply. The cause is often chorionic gonadotropin, which is produced during pregnancy. If TSH is low in the first 12 weeks, this cannot always be taken as toxic goiter. The cause must be found by seeing the right specialist. If the cause is chorionic gonadotropin, monitoring is recommended (video).
- Different targets. During pregnancy, the target ranges for TSH differ from those of the general population. That is why thyroid function should be checked before pregnancy.
- Preparing for pregnancy. Before pregnancy, thyroid function (TSH, FT4), autoimmune antibodies and prolactin are evaluated, and, if needed, AMH and PCOS → Hormonal infertility, AMH, pregnancy planning.
- Diabetes and pregnancy. A mother with diabetes whose blood sugar is under control can give birth to a healthy child. The main condition is keeping blood sugar under control before and throughout pregnancy.
In the doctor's practice
management of thyroid diseases during pregnancy. The doctor explains in the video how often monitoring is needed during pregnancy.
Q&A
My TSH has dropped during pregnancy. Is this toxic goiter?
Not always. A drop in TSH in the first 12 weeks is often caused by chorionic gonadotropin. A specialist should assess the cause; if that is the case, monitoring is enough (video).
How often should the thyroid be checked during pregnancy?
If there is a thyroid problem, once a month in the first three months, sometimes every two weeks; once it is under control, every 2–3 months (video).
Is it okay to drink coffee during pregnancy?
According to the doctor's note, the daily amount of caffeine in pregnant women should not exceed 200 mg.
The doctor’s videos
The videos are in Azerbaijani.
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