?? about high thyroid antibodies in pregnancy

[DaydreamBeliever]

Hi, my dr said I have high thyroid antibodies and it could mean I may need meds in about 3 mths to make sure bubs brain develops properly.
Does anyone know anything about this? Any help is appreciated thank you

[{sarah}]

I find it a bit strange that he wants to wait before putting you on meds, is he doing further testing prior to that?

[DaydreamBeliever]

He's not testing till another 3 months cos there were only a few there.

[LionsandBears]

I don't understand that at all. Maybe get a second opinion. Bub's brain has already developed the main parts. Everything now is just growth on what's already there. Sorry, I don't know what thyroid antibodies mean, so don't want to worry you.

[wysiwyg]

It does seem a little strange but presumably they were happy with your T3 and T4 levels - and checked your TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)? (TSH is normally the routine one done, and then depending on that they may check the T3,T4 levels as well as antibodies). Maternal thyroid levels are most crucial in the first trimester as this is prior to the babies thyroid developing so it is reliant on yours. The terminology can be very confusing so is difficult to understand what your doctor means. I have Hashimotos so have what are often called Thyroid antibodies, these attack your thyroid so can give you low thyroid (T3 & T4 levels) but this varies - you can have Hashimotos antibodies and still have satisfactory T3, T4 & TSH levels - you could have a few antibodies but your Thyroid levels be fine, perhaps only having a few antibodies is indicative that you might be developing a thyroid condition - but your levels are currently fine. The comment about bubs brain developing seems strange because everything I was told was that it is really only if you have low thyroid levels in your first trimester that you have to worry about delayed brain development (e.g. I have always been monitored very closely during first tri, and not so closely for 2nd and 3rd as babies thyroid has developed by this point).

I would either go back for a better explanation or get a second opinion - as to me seems a little confused - if you have copy of any of your blood results - have a look at the TSH level - normal ranges are something like First Trimester: 0.24 - 2.99.

[{sarah}]

Exactl what WYSIWG said. I'm guessing your T3 & T4 are ok though which might be why he's waiting to do further testing.

[DaydreamBeliever]

TY wysiwg, I have an awesome ob so I will just call him Monday to call me at the end of the day to explain it to me. I am a nurse so once it is explained properly I will understand. it was a big appt with my NT results, alot of other questions and I didn't really question it. TY so much ladies.

[DaydreamBeliever]

I forgot to come back and reply. Next time I saw my ob, he diagnosed me with hypothyroidism and I have been on thyroxine since.