What should I do if thyroid nodules are found during pregnancy check-up

Thyroid nodules found during preconception physical examination can be treated through regular follow-up, dietary adjustments, medication therapy, biopsy, surgical resection, and other methods. Thyroid nodules may be related to abnormal iodine intake, thyroid inflammation, thyroid tumors, and other factors, usually manifested as neck lumps, swallowing discomfort, hoarseness, and other symptoms.

1. Regular follow-up

Thyroid nodules with small volume and no malignant signs are recommended to undergo thyroid ultrasound every 6-12 months. Re examination should focus on changes in nodule size, boundaries, blood flow signals, and calcification. During the preparation period for pregnancy, non radiative ultrasound examination should be selected to avoid scanning with radioactive isotopes.

2. Adjusting diet

People in iodine deficient areas can increase their intake of iodine rich foods such as seaweed and seaweed in moderation, while those in iodine excess areas should limit their intake of iodized salt. Avoid consuming large amounts of substances such as cabbage and cassava that can cause thyroid enlargement. Ensuring high-quality protein and vitamin intake helps maintain stable thyroid function.

3. Drug treatment

For benign nodules with hyperthyroidism, follow the doctor's advice to use methimazole tablets to inhibit hormone secretion. For hypothyroidism, levothyroxine sodium tablets should be supplemented. Combining Hashimoto's thyroiditis can be combined with selenium yeast tablets to regulate immunity. During medication, TSH levels should be regularly monitored to adjust dosage.

4. Puncture biopsy

Ultrasound suggests that malignant nodules may require fine needle aspiration cytology examination. Completing a biopsy before pregnancy can clarify the nature of nodules and avoid diagnostic difficulties during pregnancy. Local hematoma after puncture requires compression to stop bleeding, and prophylactic use of antibiotics is necessary for those at high risk of infection.

5. Surgical resection

It is recommended to complete partial/total thyroidectomy before pregnancy for nodules diagnosed as malignant or compressing the trachea. After surgery, it is necessary to take levothyroxine sodium tablets for life to maintain hormone levels. Surgery may damage the recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to hoarseness, and parathyroid gland injury can cause hypocalcemic seizures. During the preparation for pregnancy, if thyroid nodules are found, anxiety should be avoided to affect endocrine stability. Pay attention to avoiding pressure on the neck in daily life, and do not rub the nodular area forcefully when taking a shower. It is recommended to record the menstrual cycle and changes in basal body temperature, and wait for 3 months until thyroid function stabilizes before starting to conceive. Thyroid function testing frequency should be increased during pregnancy, and nodule status should be re evaluated at 6 weeks postpartum. Maintain moderate exercise to enhance immunity, but avoid yoga movements that excessively tilt the neck back.