Thyroid disorders during pregnancy

Med Clin North Am. 2012 Mar;96(2):235-56. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2012.01.004.

Abstract

Thyroid disorders are common in women during pregnancy. If left untreated, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are associated with adverse effects on pregnancy and fetal outcomes. It is important to correctly identify these disorders and treat them appropriately to prevent pregnancy-related complications. Levothyroxine is the indicated treatment for hypothyroidism, and thionamides are the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism; thyroidectomy may be indicated in select cases. When thyroid cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy, a decision must be made regarding performing thyroidectomy during the pregnancy or postponing surgical resection until the postpartum period. Radioactive iodine is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / prevention & control
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / complications
  • Hypothyroidism / diagnosis
  • Hypothyroidism / drug therapy*
  • Iodine / therapeutic use
  • Maternal Welfare
  • Pre-Eclampsia / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy*
  • Premature Birth / prevention & control
  • Prenatal Care / methods*
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Thyroid Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use
  • Trace Elements / therapeutic use
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use
  • Women's Health*

Substances

  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Trace Elements
  • Vitamins
  • Iodine
  • Thyroxine