CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Q&A: How Can I Expect My Hyperthyroid Condition to Affect My Pregnancy?

Can I take my hyperthyroid medication while I’m pregnant? What if I have Graves’ disease?
save article
profile picture of Ashley Roman, MD
Updated January 30, 2017
Hero Image

Not only can you take your hyperthyroid meds, you should. Medicines like propylthiouracil or methimazole are not only safe to take during pregnancy, they also provide excellent control of the disease, reducing your risk of pregnancy complications.

But, it’s not just business as usual. You’ll need to see your health care provider for monthly blood tests to check your thyroid function. While you’re pregnant, it’s tough to tell if your thyroid is acting up or if the excessive sweating and vomiting are just from being pregnant. But a high heart rate (above 100 beats per minute) and weight loss are exclusive to mamas-to-be with hyperthyroidism.

And don’t worry: Just because you have hyperthyroidism doesn’t mean you’ll pass it on to baby. In fact, less than 2 percent of babies born to mamas with Graves’ disease suffer from hyperthyroidism themselves. Still, baby will need to be tested right after birth, just in case. Signs of hyperthyroidism in baby include an increased fetal heart rate, enlargement of the fetal thyroid gland and poor growth of the fetus.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

dizzy pregnant woman sitting on couch at home
Why You Might Experience Dizziness During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman grossed out by food on table
What's the Deal With All Those Food Aversions in Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman nesting at home
Everything You Need to Know About Nesting During Pregnancy
By Elena Donovan Mauer
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman drinking tea at home
How to Manage Your Mood Swings in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
congested pregnant woman blowing nose while sitting on couch at home
Rhinitis: What to Do About Pregnancy Congestion
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman having a nosebleed while sitting on couch at home
Why You Might Get Nosebleeds During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman with bloated belly
What’s the Deal With Pregnancy Bloating? (and How to Get Relief)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
cpnpregnant woman drinking a glass of water while sitting on the couch at home
Why You Might Have a Metallic Taste in Your Mouth in Early Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman wearing a bikini on the beach
What’s the Deal With So-Called ‘Pregnancy Glow?’
By Mira Miller
pregnant woman thinking at desk
Is Pregnancy Brain Real?
By Sarah Bradley
ADVERTISEMENT
close up of pregnant belly
How to Deal With Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
By Dani Wolfe
pregnant woman lying down on couch at home
What to Know About Cramps During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting on bed at home
What’s the Deal With Stomach Tightening During Pregnancy?
By Dani Wolfe
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman with breast tenderness
When Does Breast Tenderness Stop in Pregnancy?
By Korin Miller
How to Ease Constipation in Pregnancy
How to Ease Constipation in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of woman's hand on her stomach while lying down
When Does Implantation Occur?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman lying on couch showing linea nigra line on belly
Linea Nigra: Here’s What’s Up With That Pregnant Belly Line
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman propped up on the couch
How to Cope With Sciatica During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman experiencing leg pain
How to Ease Leg Cramps During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of pregnancy woman sitting on bed at home
What Causes Stomach Pain in Pregnancy?
By Maggie Overfelt
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List