Maintaining Hormonal Balance: Essential Care for Expecting Mothers

Pregnancy is a unique and life-changing experience for every woman. However, it also brings significant changes to the body’s hormonal balance, affecting various systems, including the endocrine system. Managing these changes is crucial for ensuring a healthy pregnancy, and for many women, this means working closely with a specialized healthcare team to monitor and address any concerns related to thyroid function, diabetes, or other hormone-related conditions.

At Bumrungrad International, our interdisciplinary team collaborates to provide expecting mothers with comprehensive care, from obstetricians to endocrinologists, ensuring that any endocrine-related conditions are managed seamlessly for the best possible outcomes.

 
Endocrine Conditions during Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can exacerbate or unmask certain endocrine disorders. Common endocrine issues that may arise include:

• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, gestational diabetes can affect both the mother and baby. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth, large birth weight, and even stillbirth. With the guidance of an experienced endocrinologist, the risk of developing complication from GDM during pregnancy can be significantly reduced.
• Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can occur during pregnancy, impacting maternal and fetal health. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can lead to preeclampsia or heart failure, while hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can increase the risk of miscarriage or developmental delays in the baby. Early screening and appropriate treatment can prevent these advance outcomes in mother and baby.

 
Risks to Mother and Baby
Endocrine disorders during pregnancy can increase the risks for both mother and baby:

• For the mother: Poorly managed gestational diabetes or thyroid disorders can result in high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or delivery complications. Pre-existing diabetes, in particular, requires strict blood sugar control to avoid life-threatening complications.
• For the baby: Babies of mothers with uncontrolled gestational diabetes or thyroid issues may face developmental delays, abnormal birth weight, or hypoglycemia after birth. In some cases, preterm birth or the need for advanced neonatal care in the NICU may arise.

This is why early detection and intervention are critical. Bumrungrad’s state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and coordinated care teams work to monitor and manage endocrine conditions, ensuring a smooth and safe pregnancy for both mother and baby.
 

The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach
Managing endocrine disorders during pregnancy, such as diabetes or thyroid conditions, requires a coordinated effort from multiple specialists. Bumrungrad’s interdisciplinary team—including obstetricians, endocrinologists, nutritionists, and pediatricians—works together to provide personalized care plans tailored to each mother’s health history and needs. This team ensures close monitoring, enabling timely interventions like adjusting medications or recommending dietary changes to prevent complications. Through this collaborative approach, Bumrungrad offers comprehensive support to improve health outcomes for both mother and baby.
 

The Long-term Benefits of Care
By managing endocrine health during pregnancy, expecting mothers can reduce the risk of long-term complications for themselves and their babies. Gestational diabetes, for example, can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, but with proper care, this risk can be mitigated. Bumrungrad’s multidisciplinary team not only provides support during pregnancy but also follows up postpartum to ensure ongoing health for the mother.
 

Advanced Care, Every Step of the Way
At Bumrungrad International, expectant mothers benefit from a collaborative approach to care. Our team of obstetricians, endocrinologists, and pediatricians is dedicated to ensuring a healthy pregnancy and delivery, regardless of any pre-existing or pregnancy-induced conditions. With advanced facilities, personalized care plans, and a commitment to the highest standards of safety, Bumrungrad is the best choice for managing endocrine health during pregnancy.
 

Trust our expert team to guide you through every step of your pregnancy journey, ensuring both you and your baby receive the care you deserve. Whether it’s managing gestational diabetes, monitoring thyroid function, or addressing any other endocrine concerns, Bumrungrad is here to provide the highest level of care.

Start your pregnancy journey with confidence. Bumrungrad’s interdisciplinary team is here to support your health and your baby’s development, every step of the way.
 

Provided by Dr. Nuttha Ungnapatanin.