Dec. 2, 2004 — Having multiple ultrasound examinations during pregnancy is unlikely to cause any lasting harm to the developing fetus, according to a new study that confirms the long-term safety of the commonly used procedure.

Some doctors may order a routine growth scan in the third trimester, but that depends on the pregnancy, says Berger. If your due date passes, an ultrasound to assess amniotic fluid volume and fetal health is often performed. Most parents are thrilled to get those first grainy pictures.

During pregnancy, you can count on at least two ultrasounds, the first one is to confirm pregnancy and the second, at around 20 weeks gestation, to assess the baby’s anatomy for normal growth and development.

A healthy pregnancy typically requires two ultrasounds: one around 11 to 14 weeks and the other at about 18 to 20 weeks. If any abnormalities or complications are detected during either of the routine ultrasounds, you might need more.

Previous studies had shown that between 11- 20% of cancerous nodules ≥ 4 cm may be misclassified as benign (false negative) and this has led to recommendations that all nodules > 4 cm should be removed.

Generally, benign thyroid nodules do not need to be removed unless they are causing symptoms like choking or difficulty swallowing. Follow up ultrasound exams are important. Occasionally, another biopsy may be required in the future, especially if the nodule grows over time. 2.

Common side effects beginning after surgery include2 :

• Nausea and Vomiting.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness.
• A Sore Throat.
• Difficulty Swallowing.
• Hoarseness and Voice Problems.
• Transient Hypoparathyroidism.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Hematoma.

Otolaryngologists—or ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors—and general surgeons perform thyroid removal.

Injury to a laryngeal nerve resulting in temporary or permanent hoarseness, Acute respiratory distress in if both laryngeal nerves are injured (rare) Damage to the parathyroid glands that control calcium levels in the blood, leading to low parathyroid hormone (hypoparathyroidism) and low blood calcium (hypocalcemia)

People can live full, long lives without a thyroid (or with an underactive thyroid) if they take medication to replace the absence of thyroid hormones in their body with thyroid medication. People can live for a very long time without thyroid hormones, but they will develop symptoms that decrease their quality of life.

We have also shown that treatment per se (thyroidectomy, high-dose radioactive iodine and thyroid hormone medication) is safe and does not shorten life expectancy. Nonetheless, it remains important to realise that patients with persistent disease have a median standardised survival time of only 60%, independent of age.

Tiredness and feeling emotional After any operation, your body is using a lot of energy to heal itself, so you will feel more tired than normal. With a thyroid operation, there is another reason for tiredness. The thyroid produces hormones which control the speed at which your body works.

You may feel like you can’t get through a day without a nap, or you sleep more than usual but still feel completely exhausted. You may not have the energy to exercise, or you may fall asleep during the day or very quickly at night and find it difficult to get up in the morning.

After your thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy, you may have a temporary sore throat, neck pain, difficulty swallowing or a weak voice. Your diet will be restricted for the evening of your surgery, but in most cases, it can return to normal the next day.

Patients with hyperthyroidism commonly experience weight gain after thyroidectomy. This occurs due to the reduction in circulating thyroid hormone, thus ameliorating the weight-lowering effects of elevated thyroid hormones (4,5).

Which nutrients are harmful?

• Soy foods: tofu, tempeh, edamame, etc.
• Certain vegetables: cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, spinach, etc.
• Fruits and starchy plants: sweet potatoes, cassava, peaches, strawberries, etc.
• Nuts and seeds: millet, pine nuts, peanuts, etc.

You can eat whatever you like after surgery. Try to eat healthy foods. You may find it hard to swallow at first. If so, it may be easier to drink liquids and eat soft foods such as pudding, gelatin, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, or yogurt.

After surgery, remember to incorporate some form of protein at every meal or snack. To avoid gaining weight, concentrate on lean or low-fat protein sources such as skin-less white-meat poultry, lean cuts of beef or pork, fish, eggs, low fat dairy products, nuts, beans and legumes.

In most cases, postsurgical weight gain is temporary and subsides as your body recovers. However, prolonged recovery time, physical inactivity, stress, and changes in your eating behavior can lead to weight gain over time.

1. Eat more fiber. People who increase the amount of soluble fiber they eat every day build up less visceral fat over time than people who eat less fiber.
2. Get plenty of protein.
3. Get more aerobic exercise.
4. Reduce stress.
5. Eat more healthy fats.
6. Get enough sleep.