HomeAnswersEndocrinologyhypothyroidismMy wife is 4-weeks pregnant and has high TSH levels. Can this affect fetal development?

Do higher TSH levels during the first four weeks of pregnancy affect fetal development?

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Published At February 23, 2023
Reviewed AtNovember 29, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My wife has hypothyroidism and was on Thyroxin 150 mcg per day for five days a week and weighed around 209 lbs. She started a keto diet around four months ago and now has reduced her weight to 165 lbs. She reduced her Thyroxin dosage by every 20 days and is on 50 mcg currently. Her thyroid values are T3 - 64 ng/dL, T4 - 7.9 ng/dL, and TSH 14.4 mIU/mL. We got a positive pregnancy test yesterday, so we stopped the keto diet immediately and consulted an endocrinologist. He modified the dosage to 125 mcg/day, seven days a week, and asked to stop the keto diet. Seems it is around four weeks of pregnancy. Now the doubt is, do higher levels of TSH in the first four weeks of pregnancy affect fetal development? Can we continue to have the fetus grow? Please suggest.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Having uncontrolled and such a high value of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is not appropriate for fetal development. The first few weeks of pregnancy are the most important for fetal organ development. She should not have made self-medication adjustments to her thyroid when you plan for pregnancy. Do all the required blood tests. Also, discuss with your gynecologist to suggest whether to keep the pregnancy or not.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Makwana Tanvi Ghanshyambhai
Dr. Makwana Tanvi Ghanshyambhai

Diabetology

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