Pre-conception preparation includes having comprehensive blood tests done through your medical practitioner. These tests include full thyroid profiles which should be monitored before, during and after pregnancy. Thyroid hormones are intricately linked to and dependent on adequate levels of iodine, selenium and zinc. In additional to nutrient requirements, checking antibodies which can pre-date actual thyroid disease, is highly relevant.
In addition to the above, it is further important to keep an eye on your thyroid as it directly relates to reproductive hormones, infertility and miscarriage.
More recently another link between thyroid function and pregnancy complications has been identified: pre-eclampsia.
What is Preeclampsia?
· Pre-eclampsia complicates 2–8% of pregnancies and is one main cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide
· Pre-eclampsia is usually characterized by high blood pressure, excess protein in the urine, and severe swelling – symptoms which often start midway throughout gestation
· Pre-eclampsia can be a life-threatening disorder during pregnancy and postpartum periods
· Pre-eclampsia can affect the activity of many organs including the thyroid
Research involving 21,528 pregnant women revealed:
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) was significantly higher in women with pre-eclampsia The study found that levels of TT4 (Thyroxine), TT3 (triiodothyronine), and FT3 (free triiodothyronine) were significantly lower in preeclamptic women compared to the control group There was no statistically significant difference in FT4 (free thyroxine) between the two groups Subclinical hypothyroidism is almost twice as likely to cause severe pre-eclampsia
While the research has identified that preeclamptic women were more at risk of changes in thyroid function, it also appeared that impaired thyroid function BEFORE conception contributed to increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia.
Nutritional assessment prior to and throughout pregnancy remains highly relevant as it takes at least three months PRIOR to conception to correct iodine levels. Furthermore, low iron can negatively impact thyroid hormone levels.
It cannot stress enough the importance of pre-conception preparation and part of this involves pathology testing. Without testing, it is difficult to know what is really going on – or not going on.
You will find more information relating to pre-eclampsia and testing in my book – don’t wait, get your copy today.
van den Boogaardet al. Significance of (sub)clinical thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity before conception and in early pregnancy: a systematic review.Human Reproduction Update, Vol.17, No.5 pp. 605–619, 2011
Twig et al. Pathogenesis of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss in thyroid autoimmunity. J Autoimmun. 2012 May;38(2-3):J275-81.
Hajifoghaha, M., Teshnizi, S.H., Forouhari, S. et al. Association of thyroid function test abnormalities with preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Endocr Disord 22, 240 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-022-01154-9
