Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 10, 2025
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Relationship between Thyroid Status during the First Trimester of Pregnancy and Neonatal Well-Being
Maria Teresa Murillo-Llorente1, Francisco Llorca-Colomer2, Marcelino Pérez-Bermejo1
1SONEV Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, C/Quevedo n° 2, 46001 Valencia, Spain.
Insights
Maternal iodine status impacts newborn APGAR scores, with sufficiency linked to better outcomes. Adequate iodine intake before and during early pregnancy is crucial for fetal well-being and development.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Thyroid hormones, synthesized using iodine, are vital for fetal nervous system development.
- Maternal thyroid function and iodine status are critical during early gestation.
- Perinatal outcomes require evaluation in relation to maternal thyroid health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess perinatal outcomes, anthropometry, and APGAR scores in newborns.
- To correlate these outcomes with maternal thyroid status during the first trimester.
- To investigate the impact of iodine intake and maternal smoking on newborn health.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 190 newborns and their mothers.
- Maternal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and ioduria levels were measured.
- Newborn anthropometry and APGAR scores were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- No correlation found between TSH/ioduria and newborn weight, length, or 1-minute APGAR.
- Significant differences in APGAR scores observed between iodine-sufficient and deficient mothers.
- Higher APGAR scores in infants of mothers with TSH > 4 compared to TSH < 4.
- Maternal smoking status significantly affected newborn measurements.
- Infants of mothers using iodine supplements or iodized salt had the highest APGAR scores.
Conclusions:
- Maternal iodine sufficiency in early pregnancy is associated with improved newborn APGAR scores.
- Adequate iodine intake, via supplements or iodized salt, is recommended before and during the first trimester.
- Optimizing maternal thyroid status and iodine levels supports better fetal well-being.
Abstract:
Iodine is an essential micronutrient for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The proper functioning of the thyroid axis is essential for the normal development of the nervous system, especially in the first trimester of gestation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the perinatal outcomes, anthropometry, and APGAR test scores of newborns and to relate them to maternal thyroid status. A total of 190 newborns participated in the study. No correlation was found between thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and maternal ioduria values in the first trimester of gestation with the weight or length of the newborn, or the APGAR score at one minute after birth. However, we found significant differences between the APGAR scores of children whose mothers had an iodine sufficiency level in the first trimester compared to the children of mothers with iodine deficiency. Similarly, the APGAR scores of children whose mothers had a TSH > 4 have significantly better APGAR scores than the children of mothers with a TSH < 4. Likewise, we found significant differences between the measurements of the newborns depending on whether their mothers smoked. The children of mothers who took iodine supplements or iodized salt obtained the highest APGAR score at one and five minutes after birth. It is essential to focus on recommending adequate consumption of iodine supplements and iodized salt prior to gestation and at least during the first trimester to achieve better fetal well-being.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
01:07Teratogenicity
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...