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Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease in Pregnancy

Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments of An Overactive Thyroid in Pregnant Women

By , About.com Guide

Updated March 03, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

A look at hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease in pregnancy, including signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments of an overactive thyroid in the pregnant woman. Looks at risk factors, subclinical hyperthyroidism, gestational transient thyrotoxicosis (GTT) and transient hyperthyroidism of hyperemesis gravidarum (THHG). Treatments and monitoring of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, including use of antithyroid drugs and surgery, are also discussed.

Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease During Pregnancy: Signs, Symptoms, and Risks

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Hyperthyroidism -- an excess of thyroid hormone -- can occur during pregnancy. In pregnant women, hyperthyroidism is most often due to Graves' disease. But it can be the result of changes in HCG levels that cause GTT and THHG. Hyperthyroidism poses significant risks to both fetus and mother.

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease During Pregnancy

Diagnosing hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease during pregnancy is more complicated than diagnosing these thyroid problems at other times. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism and normal pregnancy can be similar, making identification difficult. And radioactive iodine uptake tests or nuclear scanning usually performed to diagnose Graves' disease cannot be done to protect the fetus.

Treating Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease During Pregnancy

A look at treatments for hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, including prescription antithyroid medications, beta blockers, and surgery, as well as information on the preferred antithyroid thionamide drugs recommended for pregnant women.

Transient Hyperthyroidism of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (THHG) in Pregnancy

During the first trimester of pregnancy, a small percentage of women develop a form of hyperthyroidism that is accompanied by severe form of morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum. This article looks at this short-term hyperthyroidism, THHG, which is accompanied by severe nausea, excessive vomiting, and weight loss, and how the condition is diagnosed and properly treated.

Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy and Neonatal / Newborn Hyperthyroidism

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This article looks at the signs, symptoms, and treatments for fetal and neonatal hyperthyroidism -- hyperthyroidism in an unborn or newborn baby. The condition, also known as fetal or neonatal thyrotoxicosis, is rare, but can be serious if untreated. Women who have a history of Graves' disease, or who have active Graves' disease during pregnancy, are at risk of having a baby born with hyperthyroidism.

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