Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease While Pregnant

A.,
My dad had Grave's disease & he had to get rid of his thyroid with radiation. He took medication everyday & once they get it to the right levels, it is fine. Before his diagnosis he was moody and slept way too much! It's a pain to get the medications where they needed it (expect your weight to go up and down); but once they did he was fine. It's good you're diagnosed - it took my dad years - now they'll be able to manage it and you'll be fine! Hope this helps!

Hi A. - My sister, who is now 36, has both hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease and was diagnosed over 5 years ago. I am happy to report that she had her first child last year and all went well - both had no affect on her pregnancy or the baby. She lives with both diseases with ease, with only minor medication adjustments as needed. Good luck to you!

I have had hypothyroidism for about 4 or so years now diagnosed. It really is not anything to get too worried about. Thankfully it is something that is easily managed by taking a small pill every morning. I was diagnosed when I was having a hard time getting pregnant. I started the medication (levothyroxin...synthroid) and became pregnant with my son Nathan, he is now 3. I also have another little boy Nicholas who is 18 months. I took the meds everyday I was pregnant...they have no affect on a pregnancy at all. I hope this was helpful.

Hi A.,

My Name is K.. I was diagnosed with Graves disease about 6 years ago. Since, I have had 2 healthy children. One thing to think about with the no medication aspect, Graves can get really bad really fast. If your levels really are both in the hyperactive category (not just borderline) I would reccommend medication. I took PTU while pregnant with my first. My endocrinologist just kept my dose as low as possible and weaned me off as soon as my levels had been stable. Speaking as someone who has been through thyroid storm, your levels are nothing to mess with. Things can go from pretty stable to pretty bad really fast if you are not under control.

I don't mean to scare you. Since my thyroid storm incident I have found a fabulous endocrinologist (they are not all created equal...there are a lot of really bad ones out there.) and have been controlled wonderfully for over 2 years.

If you would like a second opinion, my endocrinologist is Dr. Jeffrey Reugmer at The Minneapolis Clinic of Endocrinology in Edina. He is wonderful!

I know there is not very much information out there on Graves Disease and it seems not too many people have it. If you have any questions or concerns and would like to bounce them off of someone, please feel free to email me at ____@____.com

Good Luck! Congratulations, what a busy mom you will be in a few weeks!

My friend from college had got Grave's Disease when we were in school and her husband also recently got it. I emailed her and this is what she said:

"Thyroid medication does not harm the baby. I took mine through both pregnancies. It is more dangerous for her to NOT take anything to help. I would suggest you see her doctor asap about this - it has been proven that women with elevated or decreased thyroid function have delivered babies with difficulties - either cognitive or physical. The longer she waits to treat - the more severe her symptoms could get - plus the possibility of eye disease forming as well are there. If it were ME. I would ask for a c-section or inducement at 38 weeks and get treatment asap. I am not a doctor - but I know how dangerous it can be - and you would hate it if something happened to the baby because of it."