Going through physical changes is part of the process in pregnancy. Your body undergoes numerous hormonal changes and thyroid imbalance is, yet another common issue faced by many women during pregnancy. 

The increase in weight, mood swings, hair fall etc are indications that your body is unable to produce thyroid hormone as much as a normal body requires. This results in an increase in the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level.    

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is in charge of most of the metabolic processes taking place in the body. Some of the crucial functions of the thyroid gland include weight management, thermoregulation and keeping hormonal functions in check.    

What role does the thyroid gland play during pregnancy? 

The thyroid gland is vital for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. During the first trimester, the baby is fully dependent on your supply of thyroid hormone, which comes through the placenta. After approximately 12 weeks, the baby’s thyroid gland starts to develop on its own, but the thyroid hormone is not enough until you complete 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy.  

Check for Thyroid Problems During Pregnancy 

Since proper thyroid functioning is essential for a pregnancy to flourish, which is why pregnant women are advised to undergo thyroid tests in order to ensure that the levels are sufficient for the baby’s development. 

In case you are pregnant, make sure to consult with your doctor regarding your TSH levels. The check-up becomes all the more important if: 

• You have a history of thyroid issues. 
• You experience symptoms of thyroid dysfunction such as fatigue, hair fall, and sudden weight fluctuations.
• You have a history of infertility, preterm delivery or miscarriage. 
• You have type 1 diabetes. 

How to control the thyroid during pregnancy naturally? 

The increase in TSH levels during pregnancy is common among most pregnant women but it can also lead to several health complications in the future. It is important to maintain healthy secretion of the thyroid gland during pregnancy without replying to harmful medication. 

Here are some natural ways to keep your thyroid in check: 

In order to set the TSH level back to normal, Primrose oil is the first resort that is highly recommended. It is responsible for increasing the number of thyroid hormones which leads to a healthier body. 

The primrose oil incorporates GLAs or gamma linoleic acids (Omega 6 fatty acids) these acids not just combat the lowered levels of thyroid hormones but also hair loss. Furthermore, it also consists of anti-inflammatory abilities. 

It is no surprise that coconut oil comes with a lot of medicinal properties. It is the quickest and easily available component that efficiently takes care of increased TSH levels. Take a glass of lukewarm milk with 2 teaspoons of virgin coconut oil before going to bed. 

Coconut oil has miraculous properties of having an anti-inflammatory effect, stress relief, removing excess cholesterol from the body, weight management and much more. 

When there is sufficient amounts of vitamin A in the body, the thyroid imbalance can be effectively managed. Carrots and eggs are known for their good qualities of Vitamin A. If you are a strict vegetarian, then pumpkins can also be a great source of Vitamin A. However, it is advisable to not overdo these ingredients during pregnancy. 

Herbal tea is a natural remedy that helps reduce your TSH levels. During pregnancy, women are asked to maintain a distance from caffeinated beverages including coffee, tea and soft drinks in general. However, doctors recommend herbal tea, cinnamon tea, and ginger tea. These teas are enriched with nutrients that support the thyroid gland and give it a boost. 

The diet of a pregnant woman must be carefully planned and executed. The inclusion of refined wheat such as white bread, white rice, maida rotis etc should be minimalistic. The refined wheat must be replaced with whole wheat such as oats, barley, cereals, whole wheat bread and other items made with whole wheat. 

Pregnant or not, salads are the healthiest food options for everyone. They are full of healthy nutrients that are beneficial for every person, not just a pregnant lady. If you have thyroid imbalance, then salads can be the perfect supper for you. Including vegetables like carrot, cucumber, beans, spinach, and sprouts in your salad, helps in proper thyroid gland functionality.

Cod liver oil can be a strong component for a pregnant woman. It consists of essential omega-3 fatty acids which help in directly building immunity and contributes majorly to reducing inflammation in the body. It helps get the thyroid gland to function properly and is recommended for pregnant women.