Preconception Counseling and Care for Pregnant Women with Thyroid Disease

Rima K Dhillon-Smith1, Kristien Boelaert2

  • 1Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.

Thyroid disease is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Appropriate reference ranges should be used for the interpretation of test results, although universal screening for thyroid dysfunction is not warranted. Overt thyroid dysfunction requires careful consideration of medication adjustments and close monitoring. Mild thyroid hypofunction has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm delivery, and poor neurocognition in the offspring. This review summarizes the most recent evidence on the counseling and management of women with thyroid disease before and during pregnancy and highlights the areas of controversy in need of further research.

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