How does hypothyroidism affect the fetus?
Untreated hypothyroidism may increase pregnancy loss. Some studies have shown a higher rate of stillbirth and miscarriage. There seems to be an increased risk of preeclampsia in pregnancies complicated by hypothyroidism. During the first few months of pregnancy, the fetus relies on the mother for thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play an essential part in normal brain development. Deprivation of the maternal thyroid hormones due to hypothyroidism can have effects on the fetus. Early studies found that children born to mothers with hypothyroidism during pregnancy had lowered IQ results and impaired psychomotor development. However, recent studies have found that pregnancies with hypothyroidism can have healthy outcomes with treatment.
