The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located inside the neck. It is responsible to produce hormones for the well functioning of the body. Misfunction of this gland will result in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Thyroid during pregnancy affect baby growth, but the effect can be distinct with the regular checkups and use of proper medication prescribed by the doctor. So, "How To Treat Thyroid During Pregnancy"?

Side effects of thyroid in pregnancy are listed below:

1. Effects of Hyperthyroidism:

-Vomiting

-Lack of sleep

-Weight loss or lack of weight gain

-Tremors

-Irregular heartbeat

2. Effects of Hypothyroidism:

-Tiredness

-Unhealthy weight gain

-Cold sensitivity

-Muscle cramps

If you come across any of the symptoms above consult your physician to overcome the thyroid and pregnancy complications. Thyroid hormones are important for baby's IQ and nervous system development. TSH test is used to detect thyroid disorders. TSH means thyroid stimulating hormone, its level is used to detect hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Tsh 3.5 during pregnancy is considered normal. There are many cases in which babies are born with brain disorders due to thyroid problems.

Hyperthyroidism is caused by "Grave's disease" which is an autoimmune disorder. Due to this disease, the immune system produces too many antibodies which result in the thyroid to make many hormones. Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy effects on baby growth. It results in miscarriage, premature birth, thyroid storm, low birthrate. So if you have “Graves disease” its better to get the checkup done every month during the pregnancy with your doctor.

Hypothyroidism is usually caused by the disease called “Hashimoto's disease” which is an autoimmune disorder. Due to this disease, the immune system produces antibodies which attack the thyroid. It causes the inflammation which in turn results in the production of fewer thyroid hormones. It results in stillbirth, anemia, preeclampsia, miscarriage, low birthweight.

How to control thyroid during pregnancy:

How To Treat Thyroid During Pregnancy? Read along -

“Hyperthyroidism” can be treated by the doctor by prescribing anti-thyroid medicine, which results in the production of fewer thyroid hormones. Because of this treatment baby will receive only limited thyroid hormones.

“Hypothyroidism” can be treated by replacing the hormone that your thyroid can no longer make. Your doctor mostly prescribes levothyroxine which is safe for babies to produce thyroid hormones until the baby is able to produce his or her own hormones.

Diet To Be Followed During Pregnancy To Combat Thyroid:

Here are some of the foods to answer the question of "How To Treat Thyroid During Pregnancy Naturally?" (read more on wikihow)

1. Coconut oil:

Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with a glass of milk and have it before bedtime. This will helps to regulate the thyroid problems during pregnancy.

1. Vitamin B complex:

Eat more vitamin B complex rich foods like green leafy vegetables, wheat, barley, cereals. These foods will increase the functioning of thyroid gland and solves major problems in pregnancy like hair fall.

1. Vitamin A:

Eat more of vitamin A rich foods like eggs and carrots which helps to normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland.

1. Salads:

Having a cup of salad during mid-day will help in correcting the functioning of the thyroid. It is one of the best home remedies to cure hypothyroidism.

1. Herbal Tea:

Natural and homemade herbal tea are the best medicines to cure thyroid. Ginger tea boosts thyroid functioning and helps in curing faster. Make sure to avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks which causes a great health damage especially during pregnancy.

1. Include Iodine:

Iodine plays a vital role in controlling the functioning of thyroid gland. Make sure to include iodized salt in your diet. Salts used in processed foods are not iodized.

1. Include greenery foods:

Magnesium is one of the major components for the well functioning of the thyroid. Spinach, fenugreek leaves and lettuce are the great sources of this mineral.

1. Water:

Water will not directly deal with the thyroid related problems. Drink at least 2-3 litres of water per day. It will help to flush out all the toxins from the body and helps to maintain the good organ health. This results in proper functioning of the thyroid.

1. Green tea:

It should be used only in case you are facing the problem of “hyperthyroidism”. Due to the presence of fluoride green tea is found to have an anti-thyroid activity. It stops the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Intake of 2 cups of green tea is good for health.

1. Olive oil:

You can use up to 10 tablespoons of olive oil per day. It will help to boost the thyroid production level. It will also lower the LDL cholesterol and thereby results in loss of weight. If you don't use olive oil for cooking start today!

1. Primrose oil:

It is used to treat the cases of hypothyroidism. Regular intake of it will help to increase the production of thyroid hormones. It also fights with inflammation because of its richness in GLA(gamma linoleic acids). Symptoms such as hair loss and irregular menstruation will be treated with this oil.

Some foods may help you to treat the thyroid problems but some will interfere with the medicines you are using. So just consult your doctor before including the food in your diet.

Food to avoid thyroid during pregnancy:

1. Food to avoid for treating hyperthyroidism:

- Milk products and milk

-Artificially coloured foods and packed foods

-shellfish, oysters, seaweed, egg and Brazil nuts which are rich in iodine and zinc.

-Products which contains artificial sweeteners.

-Alcohol

2. Food to avoid for treating hypothyroidism:

-Foods which contains gluten

-Processed food or junk food

-Green tea

-Cabbage, boy chok, broccoli, spinach, kale.

-High sugar foods

Thyroid during pregnancy -Precautions:

-Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism both are serious health issues and can be treated by proper care and medication.

-Don't consume the foods that cause allergy. Foods are rich in nutrition but sometimes may interfere with the medication of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. So it's better to consult your physician.

- Thyroid, if not treated properly, will affect the baby health, so do have a regular clinical checkup.

-You must consume the food along with medication for the long-term health benefits.

Prevention is better than cure. Try to include healthy diet in your daily food, exercise regularly and avoid alcohol.

It May Also Interest You To Read -

Can Breast-Feeding Mothers Take Medicines

Best Stretch Marks Removal Creams & Oils In India

Signs & Symptoms Of Ovlulation