Newly pregnancy and crazy with worry over health issue

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Leda
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 3:00 am

Post by Leda » Sat Feb 28, 2009 5:06 am

Hey everyone. I'm newly pregnant (5 weeks) and insisted on early bloodwork to check on my immunity to rubella and parvovirus (I'm safe from both). Apparently I also have hypothyroidism, which is extremely upsetting to me. My Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is 8.57 when the cut-off for normal in first trimester is 4.5. The ob/gyn said that's a pretty high number for a pregnancy.

I'm so upset with myself for not being more vigilant about this. In August after a horrendously stressful year (actually, three stressful years altogether) I felt exhausted, depressed and tired all the time. It was my August break from the school where I work and I got my blood tested. It showed elevated TSH (8.82 when the cut-off for normal was 4.50). The doctor presribed Synthroid, which I took for 4 days and felt extremely sick--fatigued, headaches, just awful.

I asked if I could stop and she said OK, just monitor the blood levels. She recommended seeing an endocrinologist but didn't insist on that or on me taking meds. Then I went back to work and felt fine. I could have sworn I got bloodwork done again and the levels were normal but I can't find any evidence of that.

I'm going to see an endocrinologist this week and at my ob/gyn's recommendation I'm taking Synthroid again (25 mcg) till I see what the new doctor says. I'm SO glad I insisted on bloods done early (ob/gyn wanted to wait until 8 weeks along) but also that she requested TSH test, because I didn't know about it.

I'm kicking myself over and over as I read about the dangers of hypothyroidism, including risk of miscarriage (I haven't had any morning sickness at all--if I did I'd feel a little more encouraged about the viability of this pregnancy), mental retardation, etc. The first trimester is critical for brain development. I know that the baby is only 0.05 inch long (the tiny space between two lines on an inch-measuring ruler) and that I don't even have symptoms of hypothyroidism (so hopefully it's not terribly severe?) but I blame myself completely. I know it's all my fault if something's wrong with the baby.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks. :(

Guest

Post by Guest » Sat Feb 28, 2009 5:35 am

Hi Leda, bless your heart and congradulations. I am a guy so not much help except I watched very closely my 3 sons from conception to birth. The very fact you are addressing the problems early and seriously shows maturity and instinct. With todays advances they will have everything normal very soon. Prayers your way and best of luck,,,bruce

Guest

Post by Guest » Sat Feb 28, 2009 5:54 am

Hello Leda:
I don't have advice because I know so little about these things.
But I can pray that all will be well with your baby and you.
Try to relax all you can.
Try to think happy, optimistic thoughts.
I will pray about your fear.
Congratulations!!
Mary Jane

Guest

Post by Guest » Tue Mar 03, 2009 6:50 am

Leda - First and foremost - congratulations on your pregnancy :D. Second, relax. If your doctor did not seem too upset about you being off the meds and thyroid issue, then you should not beat yourself up over this.

You are worried that you may have hurt your baby and it is all your fault. There are many woman who don't yet know they are pregnant and continue with all medications that they take and/or drink. I was on anxiety meds when I found out I was pregnant. I freaked out that I harmed my son, but my doctor assured me he would be fine. He was born healthy and I am proud to say that he is now 12 and on the honor roll in junior high. My meds did not harm him at all.

As long as you go to all of your ob/gyn appointments your doctors will be able to monitor your progress and the health of your baby.

AS for the morning sickness, mine kicked in at about weeks 8 or 9.

Please try and relax and enjoy this wonderful moment in your life. I absolutely loved all the changes my body went through during my pregnancy.

Good luck

LisaLisa :)

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