We are very concerned with appropriate Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels in pregnancy with regard to non-pregnant state. Why ? Let me give my explanation in a more simpler manner for even an undergraduate to understand. For those who know, please consider this as a revision. There is a relatively high preponderance of thyroid disorders in females.
Moreover pregnancy is a natural stress test for the thyroid function, resulting in overt or subclinical hypothyroidism in women with limited thyroidal reserve. Pregnancy can produce a 10% in size of thyroid gland where Iodine sources are sufficient and to a greater extent in Iodine poor regions. Production of Thyroid hormones and Iodine requirements increase by approx 50% during the pregnancy. We are aware that any Thyroid dysfunction can have adverse impacts on maternal and fetal outcomes. The question is the application of…
