How can a mother with hyperthyroidism survive during pregnancy?

Regular pregnancy monitoring

Check the blood thyroid hormones regularly. Due to changes in maternal thyroid morphology and function, many symptoms similar to hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heartbeat, enlarged thyroid gland, excessive sweating, fear of heat, and excessive appetite, may make it difficult to diagnose hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. In order to avoid various infections, mental stimuli and mood swings, and to prevent thyroid storms, expectant mothers should perform fetal ultrasound examination every 1 to 2 months to estimate fetal weight and be admitted at 37 to 38 weeks of pregnancy for close monitoring.

2. Drug treatment

If the thyroid function is normal or the condition is mild, it is not treated with anti-thyroid drugs. However, if the condition is serious, it should continue to be treated with anti-thyroid drugs, but to control the dose, high-dose medication will affect fetal thyroid function. If the symptoms are still difficult to be controlled, increase the dose of the drug under the guidance of a doctor. However, long-term use of drugs may cause slow heartbeat and growth retardation in the fetus, so they can only be used for a short period of time.

3. Dietary guidance

Expectant mothers have abnormal thyroid function which can not provide sufficient nutrition for the fetus, and the fetus is prone to growth retardation. Therefore, her diet requires high energy and high protein. At the same time, expectant mothers should also pay attention to their weight, fundal height and abdominal circumference.

4. Mode of delivery

A thyroid crisis may be induced during childbirth. Therefore, the maternal blood pressure, pulse and body temperature must be measured every 2 to 4 hours during labour. A caesarean section might be indicated.