Researchers Stress Importance of Thyroid Tests for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is an exciting and happy period in a women's life. It can, however, also be a time when a thyroid condition may become present. Researchers stress the importance of neck examinations for pregnant women so that any thyroid condition can be identified early on. Early detection is critical and many thyroid conditions are easily treated.

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly shaped gland that produces thyroid hormone in the body. Thyroid hormone affects the body's organs such as the heart, brain, liver and even the skin.

According to researchers, over twenty-seven million Americans have an overactive thyroid (called hyperthyroidism or thyroid storm) or under active thyroid (called hypothyroidism), but unfortunately more than half are undiagnosed. More than eight out of ten patients with thyroid disease are women. And nearly one out of every fifty women who become pregnant in the U.S. is diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

A malfunctioning thyroid can be dangerous to both the mother and the developing fetus, so it is recommended that women that are considering pregnancy or are already pregnant get their thyroid checked.

Thyroid Neck Check

Thyroid neck examinations should be performed by a qualified professional. According to professionals, a thyroid neck check consists of examination of the neck for bulges, protrusions, lumps or anything that appears unusual or out of place. A qualified professional can perform the examination with their hands. A physician will feel the area of the neck and the examination could take only a few minutes. If there is a problem, thyroid blood tests might be ordered.

Thyroid Hormone Tests

Although official recommendations by many professionals say that only women with risk factors should have their thyroid tested, some experts disagree and urge all women of reproductive age be evaluated for thyroid disease.

A simple blood test will enable your doctor to check how well your thyroid gland is producing hormone. Thyroid hormone blood tests include Total thyroxine (T4), Free thyroxine index (FTI or FT4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). A combination of tests may be ordered for your specific situation. Results are usually available from your lab within only a few days. A qualified professional should interpret the test results.

Many medications could affect the thyroid gland test, so check with your doctor prior to the tests for a list of any medications that could affect the results. Be sure to inform your doctor as well as your lab technician of any medications that you are currently taking. For more information about thyroid hormone tests, please visit http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/thyroid-hormone-tests

Do You Need a Thyroid Hormone Test?

Endocrinologists recommend that people with a family history of thyroid conditions, autoimmune disorders, heart failure, people above the age of 60, or pregnant women get tested. For more details about who should get a thyroid hormone test, it is recommended that you ask your health care professional.

Enjoy Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy should be one of the happiest times in a women's life. With help of a qualified medical professional team, women are better equipped to handle the joy and sometime stress of pregnancy.