Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy (cont.)
How is hypothyroidism treated during pregnancy?
The treatment of hypothyroidism during pregnancy is relatively straightforward in most cases. A synthetic form of T4 is given to replace the missing hormone. The dose of the medication is regularly adjusted to maintain a steady blood level of thyroid hormone within the normal range. Therefore, it is routine practice to monitor the blood level of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) while monitoring hypothyroidism during pregnancy. In many respects, the treatment of hypothyroidism in pregnancy is similar to that in nonpregnant women. For more information, please read the article on
Hypothyroidism.
What are the consequences of hypothyroidism during pregnancy?
For years, physicians have known of a link between mothers with hypothyroidism during pregnancy and developmental delay in their children after birth. This was particularly seen in mothers who came from iodine deficient areas of the country (iodine is necessary to produce thyroid hormone and is now a common component of the salt in our foods) and was also observed in mothers with autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
There is a relationship between thyroid levels in the mother and
brain development of her child. A large study reported in 1999 found
that undetected or inadequately treated hypothyroidism in mothers was
associated with IQ changes in the infants of these women.
The average IQ scores were about 4 points lower in the children of
hypothyroid mothers than in children of normal mothers. Larger IQ
deficits were seen in the children of mothers who had more
severe hypothyroidism. These children had an average IQ
7 points lower than normal. In addition, almost 20% of these children
had IQ scores of less than 85 compared to 5% of the children of
normal mothers. The children of hypothyroid mothers
were also more likely to have difficulty in school or have repeated
grades.
This study demonstrates that uncontrolled hypothyroidism in
pregnant women can have long-term effects on the children of these
mothers. Also, the effects occur even if the
hypothyroidism is mild and the woman does not exhibit any
symptoms. However, the more significant the hypothyroidism,
the greater the likelihood of developmental problems.
Next: How early does the mother's thyroid hormone affect the unborn baby? »
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