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Dr. Robert Atlas, OB/GYN, Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mercy

Mercy's Dr. Robert Atlas, OB/GYN, Discusses New Guidelines Re: Hypothyroidism Dangers In Pregnancy

Many doctors are testing pregnant women for a hormone that could identify hypothyroidism, but whether that's a good idea is being questioned.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is underactive. The symptoms can be weight gain, brittle hair and fatigue.

In pregnancy, thyroid hormone levels usually drop anyway, doctors said, so many ob/gyns now test pregnant women routinely for thyroid stimulating hormone, or THS, to see if there is an abnormality.

But some new guidelines are questioning whether that should be done. The American College of OB/GYNs does not recommend testing, but the American Thyroid Association said it should at least be considered.

According to Dr. Robert Atlas, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy, there are few down sides to treating hypothyroidism in pregnancy.

"There is a big up side. We don't think there's any risk involved in treating someone in pregnancy. The problem is, like anything, once you start giving a medication, it's hard to stop," Dr. Atlas said. "I think it's really an individual choice between a doctor and a patient until we get definitive information about how best to do this."

Rukhsana Shaik gave birth to her first son, Ahil, last week. She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism two years ago.

"I had fatigue, I felt lazy and sluggish, so I went for a yearly physical, and that's where I came to know I had hypothyroid," she said.

Shaik got pregnant easily, which can be difficult for someone who has hypothyroidism. She said she didn't have to change her dosage, and she now has a healthy son.

To learn more and to view Dr. Atlas’ interview online, visit this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/womansdoctor/29508838/detail.html