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Pregnancy and Childbirth: The answers
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Postpartum Thyroiditis

 

Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism occuring for the first time after delivery

These thyroid dysfunction contitions can happen for the first time in the postnatal period. There is a unique condition called postpartum thyroiditis. This is characterized by transient hyper­thyroidism with all the hallmarks of raised thyroid hormone. In a few days, this turns to hypothyroidism. The hypothyroidism may take several months to clear up, as it does in over 90% of affected patients.

 

In a small minority, it remains permanently as hypothyroidism, requiring thyroid hormone supplements for life.

 

Recurrence of postpartum thyroiditis  in subsequent pregnancies

Postpartum thyroiditis might re-occur in subsequent pregnancies but this is not always the case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next Section: Asthma in Pregnancy

Postpartum thyroiditis

When hyperthyroidism occurs for the first time  after delivery, it is likely to progress ‘backwards’ and become hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) within days. This resolves entirely in a matter of weeks or months in the majority of cases