According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, about 5 percent of people in the United States have hypothyroidism, and women are more likely than men to develop the condition. The same source notes that hypothyroidism occurs in one to three out of every 1,000 pregnancies. Hypothyroidism is a treatable condition. When hypothyroidism is controlled during pregnancy, no special diet is necessary and a regular pregnancy diet is appropriate.
Background
The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormone that helps regulate your metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a form of thyroid disease that occurs when your thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone, which slows down your metabolism and can make you gain weight, feel tired, have a cold intolerance, feel depressed or have thinning and dry hair. If hypothyroidism is not controlled during pregnancy, it can result in miscarriage, low birth weight, stillbirth, cognitive or other developmental disabilities in the baby or preeclampsia in the mother.
Hypothyroidism and Diet
Although most hypothyroidism cases in the United States are caused by autoimmune disorders, according to the American Thyroid Association hypothyroidism can also be caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. The thyroid gland requires iodine to make thyroid hormone. According to MedlinePlus, foods that contain iodine include iodized salt, seafood, cod, haddock, sea bass, perch, kelp and dairy products.
Treatment
The treatment of hypothyroidism in pregnant women is the same as in non-pregnant women. Synthetic thyroid is given to pregnant women to increase the amount of thyroid hormone in their body. Synthetic thyroid is safe for pregnant women and does not harm the fetus, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. When thyroid levels are controlled, no special diet is required. However, pregnant women with hypothyroidism should follow a well-balanced pregnancy diet.
Pregnancy Diet
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, meal plans for pregnant women at a normal weight usually consist of between 1,800 and 2,400 calories per day. During the first trimester of pregnancy, fewer calories are required while in the third trimester calorie needs are the highest. Meal plans containing 1,800 to 2,400 calories per day consist of 5 to 6.5 oz. of meat, legumes, eggs, nuts or seeds, 3 cups of milk products, 1.5 to 2 cups of fruits, 2.5 to 3 cups of vegetables, 6 to 8 oz. of grains, 5 to 7 tsp. of oils and 195 to 360 extra calories each day. Pregnant women should avoid alcohol and high-mercury fish, and limit caffeine and fish low in mercury.
References
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service: Hypothyroidism
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service: Pregnancy and Thyroid Disease
- American Thyroid Association: Hypothyroidism FAQ
- MedlinePlus: Iodine in diet
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Nutrition During Pregnancy
