Thyroid disease in pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Thyroid disease is common in young women, and thus frequently managed in pregnancy, affecting 1% to 2% of pregnant women. Pregnancy may modify the course of thyroid disease, and pregnancy outcomes can depend on optimal management of thyroid disorders. Moreover, thyroid autoantibodies have been associated with increased early pregnancy wastage, and uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis and untreated hypothyroidism are both associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Consequently, obstetric providers must be familiar with thyroid physiology, as well as screening and management of thyroid diseases in pregnancy. Following a brief overview of physiology, this article provides a review of the diagnosis and management of the spectrum of thyroid disease occurring in pregnancy.