What problems can occur if a pregnant woman has low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

Apr 16, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in pregnant women may lead to unstable embryonic development, increasing the risk of irregular vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy. It may also affect fetal neural development, potentially resulting in intellectual disability, cretinism, or developmental malformations. Severely low TSH levels can further reduce estrogen secretion in the body, impairing the maintenance of normal intrauterine embryonic development and increasing the likelihood of miscarriage.

In general, low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in pregnant women may lead to problems such as irregular vaginal bleeding, impaired fetal development, and increased risk of miscarriage. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Irregular Vaginal Bleeding

Low TSH levels can result in unstable embryonic development, making irregular vaginal bleeding more likely during early pregnancy.

2. Impaired Fetal Development

If thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are not maintained within the normal range, it may negatively affect fetal neurological development, potentially leading to intellectual disability, cretinism, or developmental malformations.

3. Increased Risk of Miscarriage

Excessively low TSH levels can reduce estrogen secretion in the body, leading to poor appetite in pregnant women. When nutritional intake becomes unbalanced, it may fail to support normal intrauterine embryonic development, thereby increasing the risk of miscarriage.

When a pregnant woman is found to have low TSH levels, it is recommended to promptly undergo appropriate evaluations and receive corresponding treatment under medical supervision to prevent adverse outcomes.