Patient's question:
The past two years, during the health check-up, I was found to have hyperthyroidism and have been taking medication. Now I'm pregnant and want to know what precautions there are for hyperthyroidism patients who are pregnant?Doctor's answer:
Patients with hyperthyroidism are advised to avoid taking oral antithyroid medication during the early stages of pregnancy, especially in the first 16 weeks. If they are currently taking methimazole, it is recommended to switch to propylthiouracil, as this will be safer for both the mother and the fetus through the placental barrier. Additionally, regular monitoring of blood tests, including complete blood count and thyroid function tests, should be conducted, excluding liver function tests. In the later stages of pregnancy, pregnant women can appropriately consume iodine-containing foods.