Pregnancy Lab Values - SARAH THOMPSON | FUNCTIONAL MATERNITY

Thyroglobulin Antibody (TgAb)

11/29/2024

Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) testing can be a tool for assessing thyroid health during pregnancy. Elevated levels may indicate autoimmune conditions, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, that are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications. This article covers TgAb reference ranges, research on elevated levels, and common causes to support better maternal and fetal outcomes.

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb)

11/15/2024

TPO antibodies are the hallmark of autoimmune thyroid disease, characterized by chronic inflammation in the thyroid gland. Autoimmune thyroid disease can affect pregnancy, and understanding testing is essential in maternity care. This article will discuss thyroid peroxidase enzymes, autoimmune disease causes, and pregnancy-specific research.

Free Thyroxine Index (FTI/FT4I)

11/15/2024

The Free Thyroxine Index (FTI/FT4I) test use to be the standard test for assessing thyroid hormone levels. Today, the free T4 test is used in its place. A few thyroid panels still add this chemistry marker. In pregnancy, the FTI may be more accurate to assess thyroid hormone levels due to hormone changes that can affect other thyroid indices. In this article, I'll discuss the current research surrounding the use of the FTI in pregnancy.

T3 Resin Uptake (T3 Uptake)

11/15/2024

Despite its name, the T3 Resin Uptake (T3 Uptake) test does not directly measure T3 but the thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) capacity to bind to thyroid hormones. This can measure the ratio between thyroid hormones and transport proteins. In this article, I'll discuss the T3 uptake test, how pregnancy affects values and common causes of high and low readings.

Reverse T3 (rT3)

11/14/2024

Reverse T3 (rT3) is an underutilized test in conventional medicine. It is considered an "inactive" thyroid hormone, although updated research shows that it inhibits other thyroid hormones. In this article, I'll discuss the rT3 test, how pregnancy affects blood results, and common causes of abnormal findings.

Triiodothyronine (T3), Free

11/14/2024

Triiodothyronine (T3) is most commonly run to diagnose hyperthyroidism and is rarely tested in maternity care. It is an important piece of the total thyroid health picture and can be used to assess overall function in pregnancy. In this article, I'll discuss the free T3 test, how pregnancy affects the accuracy of lab values, and what high and low values may mean in maternity health.

Triiodothyronine (T3), Total

11/14/2024

Total Triiodothyronine (T3) is rarely, if ever, run in maternity care blood work, but it can help to create a more comprehensive overview of maternal thyroid function. In this article, I'll cover total T3 testing in pregnancy, as well as common causes of both high and low values.

Thyroxine (T4), Free

11/14/2024

Free Thyroxine (T4) has been the most used indice in assessing thyroxine production and thyroid function in conjunction with the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Yet, maternal physiological changes in pregnancy may make this marker less accurate. In this article, we'll cover how pregnancy affects free T4 values, common causes, and the research that supports its use as a lab value in maternity care.

Thyroxine (T4), Total

11/14/2024

Thyroxine (T4) is the primary thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It is often measured as total or free. In this article, we will discuss the total T4 test, how it can be used in pregnancy, and why it may be more accurate at detecting thyroid dysfunction than the more commonly run free T4.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

11/4/2024

TSH levels help determine if the thyroid is functioning correctly. Inadequate levels can indicate hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which may lead to complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, or developmental issues in the baby. TSH levels can fluctuate during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts, so monitoring is essential to maintain optimal thyroid health. This article will cover TSH testing in pregnancy and ideal ranges.