Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their physician about whether or not to continue taking thyroid medications. Generally, it is important for women with certain thyroid conditions to continue to take thyroid hormone throughout their pregnancy. In many cases, a physician will recommend boosting dosage levels of thyroid hormone at this time, as normal thyroid function in the mother is important to a fetus’ good health.

However, pregnant women are not treated with radioactive iodine therapy. If other medications cannot be used, thyroid surgery may be recommended for pregnant patients with some forms of hyperthyroidism.

Use of beta blockers during pregnancy may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), breathing problems, a slow heart rate and low blood pressure in the newborn. However, if the mother’s condition warrants the use of beta blockers during pregnancy, they can be used under her physician’s guidance.

Some thyroid medications may pose potential dangers to the offspring of women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. For this reason, women are urged to consult their physician about the risks and benefits of using these medications.