gynecology and obstetrics
Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy
Introduction
 Overview of Thyroid Function may predate or develop during pregnancy. Pregnancy does not change the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Fetal effects vary with the disorder and the medications used for treatment. But generally, untreated or inadequately treated hyperthyroidism can result in Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Infant None Preeclampsia and Eclampsia None Stillbirth None Untreated hypothyroidism can cause Intellectual deficits in offspring Spontaneous Abortion None The most common causes of maternal hypothyroidism are Hashimoto Thyroiditis and treatment of Graves disease. If women have or have had a thyroid disorder, thyroid status should be closely monitored during and after pregnancy in the women and in their offspring. Goiters and thyroid nodules discovered during pregnancy should be evaluated as they are in other patients (see Approach to the Patient With a Thyroid Nodule and 