There was an article that caught my eye in the October/November edition of Fit Pregnancy called “Doctors Debate Thyroid Testing”.  The author pointed out that while newly pregnant women often go through a lot of screening, that few of them ever got tested for thyroid issues.

Preconception Planning

The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, produces hormones that help to regulate metabolism which can effect energy levels, weight, mood, and body temperature.  Both hyperthyroidism (making too much of the thyroid hormones) and hypothyroidism (not making enough hormones) can play a role in situations like miscarriage, preeclampsia, and premature birth.

Why wouldn’t women who are planning to get pregnant be encouraged to assess these health factors prior to conception?

— China Rose

The author also mentioned a study that was done at the Warren Albert Medical School of Brown University in Rhode Island.  Their findings were that children whose mothers had undetected hypothyroidism during pregnancy had IQs that averaged lower than the children of women with healthy thyroids.  The point of the article was that all pregnant women should be screened for thyroid function.

My intention for sharing this information is not to scare anyone, but to merely pose the question, “Why wouldn’t women who are planning to get pregnant be encouraged to assess these health factors prior to conception?”

I am a firm believer in the benefits of preconception health care.  Both prospective parents assess their present health, work to resolve chronic health issues and nutrient deficiencies, and reflect on diet and lifestyle practices that could have an effect on the health of their child.  This conscious approach to child rearing can not only strengthen a couple’s bond prior to becoming parents, but it can also increase their chances of having

1. a healthy, happy,  comfortable pregnancy
2. a positive, safe birth with little to no medical intervention
3. a shorter recovery period postpartum, and
4. a baby who is healthy and present

Going back to our article, most women who have thyroid dysfunction have it as a secondary symptom to adrenal stress.  Our endocrine (hormonal) system is like a spider web: if you touch one part of the web, the whole web will quiver.  If one part of the system is under stress, than other hormone levels will be affected.  Our bodies prioritize the stress response, and if we are under prolonged stress (physical and emotional) than other hormonal processes are affected.