Common signs of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy include which of the following?

Common signs of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy include which of the following?

• A. Heat intolerance, tachycardia, hypertension, and nausea
• B. Cold intolerance, bradycardia
• C. Weight gain and edema
• D. Hypoglycemia and dizziness

Answer: (A)

Hyperthyroidism speeds up the body's metabolism, so its signs in pregnancy reflect that increased activity. Heat intolerance comes from the higher metabolic rate making the body feel warmer. Tachycardia is common because thyroid hormone raises heart rate and cardiac output. Blood pressure can be elevated as the cardiovascular system responds to the excess thyroid hormone and the pregnancy state, and nausea can be more noticeable due to the overall hypermetabolic effect on the GI tract. These together fit the picture of thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy. Cold intolerance and bradycardia belong with hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Weight gain and edema are more typical of hypothyroidism or normal late-pregnancy fluid changes, not the weight loss and increased metabolism usually seen with hyperthyroidism. Hypoglycemia and dizziness aren’t specific hallmarks of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. In clinical practice, signs like these would prompt lab testing (TSH and free T4) to distinguish hyperthyroidism from normal pregnancy symptoms and to guide appropriate management.

Hyperthyroidism speeds up the body's metabolism, so its signs in pregnancy reflect that increased activity. Heat intolerance comes from the higher metabolic rate making the body feel warmer. Tachycardia is common because thyroid hormone raises heart rate and cardiac output. Blood pressure can be elevated as the cardiovascular system responds to the excess thyroid hormone and the pregnancy state, and nausea can be more noticeable due to the overall hypermetabolic effect on the GI tract. These together fit the picture of thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy.

Cold intolerance and bradycardia belong with hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Weight gain and edema are more typical of hypothyroidism or normal late-pregnancy fluid changes, not the weight loss and increased metabolism usually seen with hyperthyroidism. Hypoglycemia and dizziness aren’t specific hallmarks of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy.

In clinical practice, signs like these would prompt lab testing (TSH and free T4) to distinguish hyperthyroidism from normal pregnancy symptoms and to guide appropriate management.