Your specialist won’t test this in pregnancy… but I will

If you have Hashimoto’s and you’re pregnant, here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Most specialists will not check your thyroid antibodies during pregnancy—despite research showing two critical time points where this information can completely change your postpartum journey.

And if they don’t check? They miss the opportunity to prevent or reduce postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) and long-term thyroid damage.

What Are Thyroid Antibodies—and Why Do They Matter?

Thyroid antibodies (like thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb)) are proteins your immune system produces when it mistakenly attacks your thyroid.

Even if your TSH and thyroid hormones look “normal,” antibodies reveal there’s an autoimmune process simmering away.
In pregnancy, that matters—because after birth, your immune system “rebounds,” often triggering a thyroid flare.

The 12-Week Test: Catching Risks Early

Research shows testing antibodies around 12 weeks of pregnancy helps you to understand if there is a potential risk for post-partum thyroiditis. If you have thyroid antibodies present here…

We can:

• Put an autoimmune thyroid support protocol in place

• Reduce inflammation and antibody activity (studies show selenium can help)

• Lower your risk or severity of postpartum thyroiditis

   

The 32-Week Test: Preparing for Postpartum

During pregnancy, your immune system naturally suppresses itself to protect your baby—which means thyroid antibodies usually drop.

But if you still have antibodies present at 32 weeks, research shows you are far more likely to develop postpartum thyroiditis and even permanent hypothyroidism.

That’s why the 32-week test is so valuable. It helps identify women who:

• Need close postpartum monitoring

• May benefit from early supportive protocols

• Can reduce the risk or severity of a postpartum thyroid flare

What Happens If You Don’t Test?

• Women with positive antibodies may develop postpartum thyroiditis without the necessary support needed to reduce their risk which can lead to the development of permanent hypothyroidism

• Symptoms (fatigue, depression, hair loss, milk supply issues) are often dismissed as “just being a tired new mum”

Testing means we can act early—before your thyroid crashes.

Supporting Your Thyroid 

I tailor all protocols individually, but the basics include:

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition + selenium-rich foods

•  Targeted supplementation (based on your bloods)

• Nervous system + stress support

• Postpartum monitoring at 6 weeks and beyond

The Bottom Line

If you have Hashimoto’s, testing thyroid antibodies at 12 and 32 weeks is non-negotiable.
It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your thyroid, your mood, and your energy postpartum.

Much love, 

Megan