In this Article

• Introduction
• What is the thyroid gland?
• What happens with thyroid disease?
• How is hypothyroidism treated during pregnancy?
• What are the consequences of hypothyroidism during pregnancy?
• How early does the mother's thyroid hormone affect the unborn baby?
• What can be done to avoid the consequences of hypothyroidism in pregnancy?
• Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy At A Glance
• Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy Glossary
• Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy Index

Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy At A Glance

• Hypothyroidism, wherein the thyroid gland produces an inadequate amount of thyroid hormone, is a common disorder particularly in women of childbearing age.
  
  
• Hypothyroidism of the mother during pregnancy may result in developmental delay in the child.
  
  
• Treatment of hypothyroidism requires thyroid hormone medication.
  
  
• There may be indications to start thyroid hormone therapy in women who are borderline in thyroid function and who are either pregnant or desiring pregnancy.
  
  
• The treatment goal of hypothyroidism in pregnancy is to maintain a thyroid hormone level within high normal range.
  
  
• Pregnant women who are on thyroid hormone should have blood testing frequently during pregnancy as requirements may change.

Reference: National Institutes of Health Press Release, August 18, 1999 "Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy Linked to Lower IQ for Child"

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• levothyroxine sodium, Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid - Learn more about Levothyroxine Sodium (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid), including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
• Thyroid Blood Tests - Read about thyroid blood tests, which are used to diagnose disease of the thyroid such as hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as point to other diseases of the thyroid gland.
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