If you have thyroid disease and you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you might wonder whether your condition will affect your baby. The short answer is that most women with thyroid disease can have a healthy pregnancy and baby with proper treatment. However, untreated or poorly controlled thyroid disease can lead to problems for you and your baby. Thyroidism can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild thyroidism may not need treatment and may not cause any problems during pregnancy. Moderate to severe thyroidism can be more challenging to manage during pregnancy and cause problems for the mother and the developing fetus. 

Thyroid is a butterfly shaped hormone-producing gland located in the lower front of the neck. It plays a vital role in regulating the body's metabolism, affecting many functions, including heart rate, weight, and temperature. As a result, thyroid problems are common and usually first develop in women during their childbearing years. Around 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder at some point in their lifetime.  

Symptoms:  

There are many different thyroid symptoms, and they often mimic other issues, so it's crucial to consult a professional and diagnosis from a medical professional. However, some common signs and symptoms include:  

• Fatigue  
• Weight gain or loss  
• Mood swings  
• Difficulty concentrating  
• Hair loss or thinning  
• Dry skin  
• Muscle aches and pains  

If you are experiencing any of the above signs, it's essential to speak with your doctor so that they can perform the necessary tests to determine if you have thyroid problems.  

 How are thyroid and pregnancy connected? 

Thyroid and pregnancy share a significant connection because the thyroid gland plays a big role in metabolism, which is necessary for the baby's development. So, when there is an imbalance in the amount of thyroid hormone produced, it can cause issues with pregnancy.  

That's why it's important to get tested and diagnosed early; so that treatment can start as soon as possible. The mother's underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can result in poor fetal development, low birth weight, and premature delivery. Women with hypothyroid can sometimes develop Hashimoto's disease. Conversely, an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or hyperthyroidism can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. 

Thyroid disease is fairly common, affecting up to 10 percent of women of childbearing age. And pregnancy can trigger thyroid problems in some women who previously had no symptoms. So, awareness is essential regarding the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease, especially if you are trying to conceive. Managing thyroid disorders during pregnancy is crucial for the mother and the developing baby. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays. If you're already being treated for thyroid disease, be sure to tell your obstetrician or midwife so that he or she can closely monitor your condition during pregnancy. 

Tips to conceive naturally with thyroidism: 

There are many ways to manage thyroid disorders during pregnancy, and working with a healthcare team is essential to ensure that you and your baby are healthy. With proper treatment, most women with thyroid disorders can have a safe and healthy pregnancy. 

Herbal tea: 

We all seek answers in medicines, while the solution lies in the goodness of nature. Herbs and spices can effectively reduce hyper and hypothyroidism symptoms. Chamomile, sage, kanchar, and Ashwagandha are some magic herbs to reduce thyroid symptoms. These herbs consist of anti-inflammatory ingredients and also ease sweating and anxiety. Chamomile tea especially helps regulate the sleep cycle and your nervous system. If you are still sulking about side effects, you can trust a plant-based tea like andMe's Thyrodiet tea. It contains natural ingredients like chamomile, kanchar, guggul, Ashwagandha, and lemon peel extract. This Thyrodiet also contains Selenium, the key nutrient that reduces fatigue and thyroid deficiency. 

Seek professional help: 

Another important thing is keeping in regular touch with your doctor. Thyroid problems can affect your general health, but the risk and complications increase during and after pregnancy. In most cases, people neglect the primary symptoms and complicate the matter. If you are already under medication, let your doctor know about every change. 

Healthy diet: 

A nutritious diet enriched with all the essential vitamins and minerals, and try to include anti-inflammatory ingredients in your diet.  

Foods to eat: 

• Dairy food 
• Iodized salt 
• Leafy greens 
• Berries 
• Bananas 

• Orange 
• Buckwheat 
• Quinoa 
• Chia and flax seeds 

Foods to avoid: 

• Cruciferous veggies  
• Soy products 
• Millets 
• Fried foods 
• Sugary products 
• Peaches 
• Pears 
• Strawberries 
• Alcohol 
• Caffeine 

Exercise and sleeping cycle: 

One of the basic requirements to regulate hormonal changes is exercise and getting adequate sleep. Try to avoid screen timings and also meditate before and after you wake up in the morning. Exercise helps to control body weight and also boosts energy levels. Alongside this, you should also regulate your sleep cycle. At least 6-8 hours of sleep is necessary to manage thyroid levels. 

Some other tips: 

• Manage stress level 

• Avoid smoking and alcohol 
• Don't skip meals and medication 
• Monitor your iodin level frequently