Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Obstetrics and gynaecology
Recognising and managing thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy
Recent articles on:
Health problems in pregnancy
Health problems in pregnancy
Abstract
During pregnancy the production and metabolism of thyroid hormone change. Appropriate monitoring of thyroid-stimulating hormone levels with trimester-specific reference ranges is essential to avoid adverse effects in the pregnant woman and fetus.
Key Points
- Thyroid hormone production and metabolism change with pregnancy.
- Iodine supplementation is advised in most women during pregnancy to meet guideline recommendations for nutritional intake.
- All women should be screened for thyroid dysfunction using a thyroid-stimulating hormone measurement during early pregnancy. At-risk groups will require more frequent monitoring throughout the pregnancy.
- Women taking thyroxine replacement before pregnancy will usually require a dose increase of 30 to 50% in the first trimester.
- Thyroxine replacement should be taken separately to other vitamins, including iron and calcium supplements, because binding can occur, decreasing the efficacy of absorption.
- It is essential that women with thyroid dysfunction before or during pregnancy be seen by their GP in the postpartum period for follow-up assessment of their thyroid function.
Picture credit: © iStockphoto/Skynesher. Model used for illustrative purposes only.
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