Pregnancy and Hashimoto's

[LPW84]

Hi, I'm 31 yr old female, 32 weeks pregnant with second child, normal weight gain, very healthy. First child, no problems with conception, pregnancy, delivery, etc. I've had Hashimoto's disease since I was 16 and been on levothyroxin ever since and its been very well controlled and managed. With first pregnancy, had to increase dosage to keep TSH levels within range, as is expected in pregnancy.  Same with this pregnancy, started at 137 mcg, up to 150 mcg, and then increased again to 175 mcg when recent TSH came back at 7.76.  I'm with different OBGYN this time around who wants me to go for non stress tests TWICE a week for baby.  When I asked the reasoning behind it, no real answer was given.  I've been doing research and still can't see a reason for so many NST when everything about the baby has been normal (just had NST yesterday).  Although I am cautious, this seems medically unnecessary and excessive. Does anyone know a medical justification for this?  My husband is also a physician (2nd year surgery resident) who finds this odd.  Again, baby growing normally, 20 week US came back normal, and I am a low-risk pregnancy.  I cannot find research, evidence, or even guidelines that recommend this precaution for a controlled thyroid condition.  I appreciate any feedback. I would like to follow my physician's advice but bringing my toddler with me 2x a week for 45 min appointment is not an easy task, thanks.

[goolarra]

Ditto.

[gimel]

  

               OMG

[goolarra]

I know absolutely NOTHING about this, but you seem to have done your research, and your husband is a doctor.  

You deserve an answer to the reasoning behind it.  "Because I said so" doesn't cut it.

At 32 weeks, your baby's thyroid is functioning.  It starts functioning at about 20 weeks.

Is your doctor testing FT3 and FT4 as well as TSH?  If so, please post  results and reference ranges.  They vary lab to lab and have to come from your own lab report.  

[LPW84]

Thanks for your response. I was just informed my T4 was within normal range. Studies I have read said 50-85% pregnant women with preexisting hypothyroid conditions have to increase their dosage, so my case is not abnormal. My insurance is through Kaiser so it is difficult to get a second opinion, but I'm going to have my husband ask an OB at his hospital for a second opinion.  Thanks for your feedback