Thyroid and autoimmune pregnancy doula · Cumming, Forsyth County & north metro Atlanta
"I have a thyroid or autoimmune condition."
A thyroid or autoimmune condition can mean more blood work, more specialists and more people to keep in the loop. I'll help you keep track of it all and bring your questions to the right person.
What's probably on your calendar
Not everyone gets all of these, and your care team decides what's right for you. But these come up often.
Lab work and check-ins with more than one specialist
Coordinating between your OB and your other doctors
Sources: NIDDK (NIH), Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
What people worry about
These are fair questions, and most people don't say them out loud. You can. We'll turn each one into something to ask, and something to plan for.
- "What if my condition causes a miscarriage?"
- "Could my levels affect the baby's development?"
- "What if I have a flare during pregnancy, or after the birth?"
- "Who's actually keeping track of all this, my OB or my specialist?"
Questions to bring to your OB or MFM team
Check the ones you want to ask. Print the page or screenshot it before your next visit.
Your OB or MFM team knows your situation best. Bring this list to them.How two birth plans help
- How you'd like to labor, and who's in the room
- Your medication schedule for labor and the hospital stay, written down in your care team's words
- Comfort techniques that work with whatever monitoring your care team recommends
- If an induction or a cesarean is recommended: what you want to keep, and what to ask first
- If your baby needs extra checks after birth: who goes with baby, and what you want explained
- After birth: rest, help at home and the follow-up visits for your condition
More specialists, one clear plan.
I've lived with a chronic condition since 2000, so I know what it's like to manage one on top of everything pregnancy asks of you.
What the guidelines say
If you took levothyroxine for hypothyroidism before pregnancy, you'll probably need a higher dose, and your levels will likely be checked every 4 to 6 weeks for the first half of pregnancy (NIDDK).
What to ask your doctor
Who is managing my condition during pregnancy, and how often will my levels be checked?
Let's talk about your birth.
I take one or two births a month, so start with your dates and I'll reply with the times I'm free.
No medical details needed here. Prefer to text? (478) 974-3434