Pregnant women have to produce sufficient thyroid hormone for the full development of the babies' brains. Such brain development is entirely critical in the first three months, studies say. What happens then if there is not enough thyroid hormone?
The Thyroid autoimmunity happens when the immune system mistakenly destroys healthy thyroid cells, which leads to the decrease in the thyroid hormone levels. Iron has a very important role here. It is responsible for the normal functioning of thyroid peroxidase (TPO), a protein that is need for the functioning of the thyroid at its maximum level. Pregnant women need to triple the daily requirements of Iron to make more red blood cells and be able to let the fetus and placenta grow healthy.
A third of pregnant women have iron deficiency, putting them at increased risk of having a thyroid disorder and suffering complications such as miscarriages and preterm births. These are the conclusions of a new study published today in European Journal of Endocrinology.
"The gland increases 10% in size during pregnancy in iodine-replete countries and by 20%-40% in areas of iodine deficiency." , according to a study published in NCBI Journal. The researchers of this study said that there are guidelines for the "Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and Postpartum":
"The guidelines are divided into the following nine areas: 1) thyroid function tests, 2) hypothyroidism, 3) thyrotoxicosis, 4) iodine, 5) thyroid antibodies and miscarriage/preterm delivery, 6) thyroid nodules and cancer, 7) postpartum thyroiditis, 8) recommendations on screening for thyroid disease during pregnancy, and 9) areas for future research. Each section consists of a series of questions germane to the clinician, followed by a discussion of the questions and concluding with recommendations."
The thyroid gland has to be in good condition when pregnant and the Iron level should be checked regularly. The brain of the baby has to develop properly and Iron is among the most important elements for this process. Indeed pregnancy is a tough season in a parent's life but it is worth it especially when you see that your newborn child is healthy and without defects.
