In this episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, Amanda and Maddie discuss pregnancy management from pre-conception through postpartum care. They discuss why early lab testing and monitoring hormone levels, particularly progesterone, can help sustain a healthy pregnancy, especially after experiencing a miscarriage. Amanda and Maddie also highlight the role of thyroid health during and after pregnancy and offer practical tips on choosing the right prenatal supplementation and dealing with postpartum depression.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Thyroid Management During and After Pregnancy: During pregnancy, thyroid hormone demands increase by 30%, necessitating an increase in thyroid medication dosage for women with pre-existing thyroid conditions. After delivery, the demand decreases by 30%, and it is recommended to reduce the medication dosage accordingly to avoid hyperthyroidism.
2. Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is common and can be significantly influenced by hormonal changes after delivery. Progesterone injections can be an effective treatment for mood changes in the postpartum period, with many women experiencing rapid improvement in mood within hours of administration.
3. Prenatal Vitamins: Prenatal vitamins are important for pregnant women, particularly those with MTHFR mutations, which means your body has issues breaking down folate. We recommend a prenatal containing methylated folate and to start supplementing four months before conception.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:39 - Who Benefits from Pregnancy Management?

03:30 - Monitoring Hormone Levels Throughout Pregnancy

06:20 - Cervical Length

07:29 - The Use of Progesterone and Other Hormones

08:27 - HCG (A Fertility Medication)

11:22 - Lovenox for Clotting Disorders

12:20 - Natural Killer Cells

13:30 - Pregnancy Management Case Example

14:48 - Postpartum Depression and Care Protocols

19:26 - Thyroid Management in Postpartum

21:39 - Prenatal Supplements and Optimal Vitamin Levels

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