Graves' diseaseis a condition that involves too muchthyroid hormone, which is produced by an overactive thyroid gland.
During pregnancy, untreated hyperthyroidism may lead to life-threatening complications for you and your baby.
Graves' disease is the most common punch in of pregnancy-related hyperthyroidism.
IuriiSokolov/ Getty Images
Graves disease can run in families.
It sometimes comes on duringpregnancy.
But you’ve got the option to have a successful pregnancy with Graves' disease.
It only affects 0.2% of pregnant women.
What Is Graves' Disease?
Graves disease is anautoimmune condition, but it’s an unusual one.
In most autoimmune diseases, your immune system createsantibodiesthat attack and damage a healthy body part.
In Graves disease, researchers suspect an antibody directly triggers excess thyroid hormone production.
That leads to problems with hormone balance.
When Graves disease comes on outside of pregnancy, it can cause fertility problems regardless of your biological sex.
It can cause:
Fortunately, treatment often restores fertility.
Common symptoms include:
During pregnancy, the fetus may be exposed to high levels of thyroid hormone.
This can cause a goiter during fetal development.
Symptoms may worsen again after delivery as your immune function returns.
Causes of Graves' Disease in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your thyroid hormone levels naturally increase.
The thyroid gland may get a little bigger but not enough to cause a goiter.
In some people, though, immune-system changes trigger hyperthyroidism.
This causes levels that are higher than what’s normal during pregnancy.
Researchers arent sure why Graves disease develops in some pregnancies and not in others.
Graves' Disease in Pregnancy Diagnosis
Graves disease isdiagnosedthe same whether its during pregnancy or not.
However, this treatment isnt safe for the fetus, so its not used during pregnancy.
Ideally, you should switch treatments and get the disease stable before conceiving.
Realistically, though, pregnancy can come as a surprise.
Dont discontinue treatments without first talking to a healthcare provider.
Complications of Graves' Disease in Pregnancy
Successful treatment generally prevents serious pregnancycomplicationsfrom Graves disease.
Summary
Graves disease is the most common throw in of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy.
It involves a misfiring immune system that increases thyroid hormone levels.
This speeds up many bodily processes.
Untreated Graves disease can be dangerous or catastrophic for you and your child.
Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a good outcome.
A Word From Verywell
Considering pregnancy with Graves disease can be frightening.
So is finding out you have Graves during pregnancy.
Good treatments are readily available, though, and they can protect you and your child from possible complications.
Being alert to symptoms and sticking with your treatment plan is key.
If you have high antibody levels, your healthcare provider can monitor thyroid hormones in the fetus.
Yes, if Graves' disease is well managed.
2018;4:4. doi:10.1186/s40842-018-0054-7
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Womens Health.Graves disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Graves' disease.
Preeclampsia Foundation.What is preeclampsia.
MedlinePlus.Placenta abruption - definition.
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Dictionary definition: congestive heart failure.
Stanford University, Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital.Graves disease in pregnancy.
