How Does Maternal Hypothyroidism Affect Baby?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Untreated maternal can lead

to preterm birth, low birth weight, and respiratory distress in the neonate

. Enough evidence has accumulated over the years about the role of thyroxine in normal development of the fetal brain.

How does maternal hypothyroidism affect fetus?

Untreated maternal hypothyroidism can lead

to preterm birth, low birth weight, and respiratory distress in the neonate

. Enough evidence has accumulated over the years about the role of thyroxine in normal development of the fetal brain.

Can hypothyroidism cause birth defects?


Hypothyroidism caused more birth defects than did

hyperthyroidism. It's possible that the same antibodies that cause the underactive thyroid also could be responsible for the birth defects, Nagey says.

Is it safe to have a baby with hypothyroidism?


Hypothyroidism can also interfere with the development of an embryo

(fertilized egg). This increases the risk of miscarriage. Also, if you are pregnant and your hypothyroidism is not treated, your baby may be born prematurely (before the predicted due date), weigh less than normal, and have lowered mental capacity.

What does hypothyroidism do to a baby?

Thyroid hormone is important for your baby's brain development as well as growth, therefore, untreated congenital hypothyroidism can lead to

intellectual disabilities and growth failure

.

What is a normal TSH level for pregnant woman?

The Endocrine Society recommends that TSH levels be maintained

between 0.2-

in the first trimester of pregnancy and between 0.3-3 mU/L in the remaining trimesters.

Does thyroid medication affect pregnancy?

Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone that's safe for your baby, is the standard treatment. It poses no danger to your developing baby. If you're pregnant,

you must continue to take levothyroxine and stay in close contact with your doctor

.

Can hypothyroidism cause Down syndrome in pregnancy?

Thyroid

antibodies are not a risk factor for pregnancies

with Down syndrome.

Can I marry a girl with thyroid?

The truth is that thyroid problems are common, easy to diagnose and treat. A person with a thyroid problem

can grow, marry

, have children and lead a very normal productive, and long life.

Can hypothyroidism cause autism?

There has been a report that low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism)

in babies is possibly associated with the development of autism

. Prior studies have shown that low thyroid levels in the mother during pregnancy has been associated with brain abnormalities in the baby.

What happens if a child has untreated hypothyroidism?

Undiagnosed hypothyroid children may experience slowed growth rate. Additional symptoms include sluggishness, pallor, dry and itchy scalp, increased sensitivity to cold and constipation. If untreated, the condition may have devastating effects, such as

stunted physical growth and mental retardation

.

What causes thyroid problems in babies?

Hypothyroidism in infants is usually congenital; acquired causes become more common with age. Most congenital causes involve dysgenesis of the gland, but

genetic disorders

affecting thyroid hormone synthesis may occur. Most hypothyroid infants are detected through routine newborn screening.

What are the symptoms of thyroid in infants?

  • jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
  • sleeping longer or more often than usual.
  • constipation.
  • a large soft spot (fontanel) on the head.
  • large, swollen tongue.
  • weak (“floppy”) muscle tone.
  • swelling around the eyes.
  • poor or slow growth.

What increases TSH during pregnancy?

Two pregnancy-related hormones—

human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen

—cause increased thyroid hormone levels in the blood. Made by the placenta, hCG is similar to TSH and mildly stimulates the thyroid to produce more thyroid hor- mone.

Is TSH 3.8 normal in pregnancy?

The Endocrine Society recommends that TSH levels be maintained between

0.2-

in the first trimester of pregnancy and between 0.3-3 mU/L in the remaining trimesters.

How often should thyroid be checked during pregnancy?

Thyroid hormone levels need to be checked

every 4 weeks during the first half of pregnancy

. The treatment is safe and essential to both mother and fetus.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.