Does Hypothyroidism in Pregnant Women Always Affect the Fetus?
Hypothyroidism, also known as thyroid gland hypofunction, can generally have an impact on the fetus of pregnant women with this condition. However, the specific extent of this impact may not always be detectable. For instance, it may manifest as a slight decrease in IQ, slightly smaller physical stature, or may appear normal and thus go unnoticed as being related to thyroid function. Hypothyroidism can potentially affect both pregnant women and their fetuses. It is recommended that thyroid function tests be performed before pregnancy preparation and during pregnancy, as abnormal thyroid function before pregnancy may affect the quality of eggs. Regular physical examinations are therefore necessary, and any abnormalities should be corrected before conception. After pregnancy, thyroid function monitoring is also required to minimize the potential impact of thyroid dysfunction on the fetus. Generally, it is advised to re-examine thyroid function before pregnancy, in early pregnancy, and late pregnancy. Pregnant women with abnormal test results should undergo enhanced monitoring, with some requiring monthly check-ups.