Can Hypothyroidism Cause Miscarriage?

If you've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism — or an underactive thyroid — you may be wondering if it may cause problems during pregnancy or even a miscarriage. In fact, hypothyroidism is linked to miscarriages so it's important to be able to recognize the signs of this condition. 

Understanding the Thyroid's Role

The thyroid is a gland in your neck (above your collarbone) that produces hormones involved with many of your body's activities. It plays an important role in your body's metabolic and hormone balance. When something's off with your thyroid, there's a good chance the rest of your body and its processes — including pregnancy — will be affected.

What Is Hypothyroidism?

Thyroid hormone controls your body's metabolic processes. When you have hypothyroidism, the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone to keep these processes going at their normal rate, and they start slowing down. This can affect many aspects of your health, including whether you have a healthy pregnancy.

An Underactive Thyroid During Pregnancy

It's important that your thyroid is functioning normally during your pregnancy, both for your health and your developing baby's health. There are several complications that can occur in pregnant women with hypothyroidism:

• Preeclampsia
• Anemia
• Low birth weight
• Stillbirth
• Rarely, congestive heart failure can occur
• Miscarriage

Hypothyroidism and Miscarriage Risk — What the Research Shows

Research suggests that having an underactive thyroid may be linked with some types of pregnancy loss.

Studies have found that subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) could mean an increased risk of placental abruption and preterm delivery, both of which can result in later pregnancy loss.

The evidence is less clear about a link between hypothyroidism and first-trimester miscarriage. Some studies suggest that thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) may be linked to first-trimester miscarriage, but other studies contradict the link and the matter is still up for debate.

A Chinese study published in 2014 found that women with both subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity have a greater risk of miscarriage between weeks 4 and 8 of their pregnancies. 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• A puffy face
• Cold intolerance
• Joint and muscle pain
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Dry, thinning hair
• Decreased sweating
• Heavy or irregular menstrual periods and fertility problems
• Depression
• Slowed heart rate

If you are concerned that you may have hypothyroidism, ask your doctor about screening. He or she can make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and a simple blood test.

Thyroid Hormone During Pregnancy

If you do have an underactive thyroid, you will be treated with a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. Synthetic levothyroxine is identical to your natural thyroid hormone and is safe for your developing baby.

If you were already on levothyroxine before you got pregnant, your doctor will probably increase your dose during your pregnancy to maintain your normal thyroid function. It's best to talk to your doctor about your dose before you become pregnant. 

During your pregnancy, your thyroid function should be checked every 4 weeks until mid pregnancy and then at least once close to 30 weeks.