Hypothyroidism can have a negative effect on fertility. And even if a hypothyroid individual becomes pregnant, there is a higher risk of spontaneous abortions (miscarriages). This doesn't apply to the person on thyroid hormone supplementation. It applies to the hypothyroid patient who is uncorrected by medication replacement or medication therapy.

During the first six weeks of development the fetus depends on the maternal supply of thyroid hormone for development of the brain and nervous system. Only after six weeks is the fetus capable of supplying its own source of thyroid hormone. During pregnancy, a hypothyroid patient, one who has inappropriate levels of thyroid hormone, can have a few complications. A TSH should be checked during the first trimester and should be monitored every eight to 12 weeks.

The delivery of infants smaller than their gestational age can happen. There is also an increased risk of stillbirths. There is a possibility of impairment of brain development. And in the mother, other complications exist as well. These include:

    * A higher risk of pregnancy associated hypertension
    * Early rupture of the placenta
    * A severe type of hypertension associated with seizures and kidney problems
    * An increased risk of hemorrhage during the labor process

It is extremely important that your thyroid hormone levels be checked during pregnancy, and again multivitamin and iron supplements need to be taken at a different time than when taking the thyroid hormone.