Thyroid function in pregnancy Flashcards
What is increased during pregnancy?
Thyroxine-binding globulin
What does thyroxine-binding globulin cause an increase of?
It causes an increase in the levels of total thyroxine
It does not affect the free thyroxine level.
What can untreated thyrotoxicosis lead to?
Fetal loss
Maternal heart failure
Premature labour
What is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy?
Grave’s disease
What medication can be used in the management of thyrotoxicosis in the first trimester?
Propylthiouracil
Why is carbimazole not used in the first trimester?
It is associated with an increased risk of congenital abnormalities
When would the patient be switched back to carbimazole?
In the second trimester
(week 13-27)
Can radioiodine be used in pregnancy?
No- it is contraindicated
What medication can be used to manage hypothyroidism in pregnancy?
Levothyroxine (it is safe in pregnancy)
How might the dose of levothyroxine need t be adjusted?
May need to increase the dose by up to 50% as early as 4-6 weeks gestation
Is breastfeeding safe when on levothyroxine?
Yes
