Prevalence of Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Thyroid hormones are critical for thedevelopment of fetal neurological condition and maternalhealth. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy poses a significanthealth challenge because it is associated with several adversehealth outcome of child and mother.Objective: This study was done to assess the prevalence ofhypothyroidism in pregnant women in a tertiary care center.Materials and Methods: The study was done in a tertiary carecenter situated in outer periphery of Lucknow. The study wasconducted over a period of one and a half year. The studyincluded 1695 pregnant women.Results: According to the present study the prevalence ofhypothyroidism were 15.91% in first trimester, 11.90% insecond trimester and 13.82% in third trimester of pregnancyusing a cutoff TSH level of 4.20mIU/l.Conclusion: This study concludes that there is high incidenceof hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Majority of pregnantwomen show features of subclinical hypothyroidism during firsttrimester of pregnancy thus screening of hypothyroidismspecially in first trimester is necessary in our country.