Hypothyroidism in pregnancy

[KahluaCupcake]

Yesterday I had an OB appointment, had my 19 week ultrasound, etc. Everything looked great, I didn't even have a single marker for any abnormality. Talk about relief!
Anyway, the doctor asked me if I had seen an endocrinologist, and I was a little embarrassed, as I have no excuse, but I hadn't. I had thyroid cancer that was caught very early in 2009, and had a total thyroidectomy. As such, I need to take synthetc thyroid hormone medication to be kept alive and functioning normally. If I went too long without it (say a couple months), I would likely die.
She tested my thyroid levels via blood test, and called me a few hours later....almost laughing with disbelief, she said my levels are significantly low, and she just doesn't understand why I'm feeling all right. Normally someone with such low levels would be lethargic and have lots of other problems. Plus, I haven't gained a single pound during pregnancy so far, and usually hypothyroidism makes you gain weight.

I started a higher dose of the medication today, so hopefully everything will turn out fine.
However, I'm curious if any of you ladies know of any problems that could arise due to me having been hypothyroid during pregnancy. Especially ones that could affect my baby.
I am fully aware that just because he's "healthy and normal" according to his measurements and organs doesn't mean that he actually will be "healthy and normal." I am definitely not looking to tempt fate, rather looking to be prepared in case of the worst: what to expect, signs to look for, etc.
I'm a little ashamed of myself that I didn't have this treated earlier, and there's also now no way to tell just how long I was hypo.

 

[Preggalicious]

I have Hashimoto's Disease, which is a form of hypothyroidism...my antibodies are waaay high. But anyway, PLEASE, PLEASE try to remember to take your Synthroid regularly, especially until you deliver. I know in early pregnancy, severe hypothroidism can cause miscarriages, but also in late pregnancy (or anytime in pregnancy, rather) it can cause birth defects, brain damage, and even stillbirth, if left untreated. I'm so glad you got back on your medication. I'm sure your baby is just fine, especially if your scan and everything was perfect and your doctor is not worried.

 

[MaybeP]

I'm the opposite and have hyperthyroidism and I know that that has no issues associated with the baby, only issues to myself

Good luck though

 

[KahluaCupcake]

Preggalicious, oh, no, I was taking my medication daily! I just hadn't had my levels tested. Haha, I'm not THAT irresponsible!!
I also had Hashimoto's, which caused my cancer. >.< Because of the fluctuating levels, it caused my thyroid to grow and shrink rapidly, and the changing cells brought about the nodules that were proven cancerous. It all happened really quickly...within about 3-4 months I went from thinking I was pregnant due to exhaustion and lack of a period, to recovering from surgery.

Anyway, I just read something frightening...
"In fact, the babies of mothers who were hypothyroid in the first part of pregnancy, then adequately treated, exhibited slower motor development than the babies of normal mothers. However, during the later part of pregnancy, hypothyroidism in the mother can also have adverse effects on the baby, as pointed out by the research described above. These children are more likely to have intellectual impairment."

If anything is wrong with my little guy, I'm going to be guilty for life.

 

[wantanerd]

They are testing me every trimester to make sure my levels are ok. If they are not, they will adjust my medication. So far so good!

My doctor even told me there was a link between taking synthroid and your child havign a higher IQ! DH and I are already nerdy, we are preparing for a super nerd now!