English

Abstract

Thyroid disease is particularly common in women of child bearing age. It is estimated that 2.5% of all pregnant women have some degree of hypothyroidism (1, 2). Thyroid disorders are the second are the second most common endocrine disorders found in pregnancy. Maternal complications of untreated hypothyroidism include microcytic anaemia, placental abruption, preeclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage, cardiac dysfunction and miscarriage (3). Fetal or neonatal complications include prematurity, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, stillbirth and poor neuropsychological development (1). In particular, as fetal thyroid cannot concentrate iodine until 10-12 weeks of gestation. Therefore before this time, the mother must provide for all the fetus' thyroxine (T4) requirements. This study focuses on thyroid screening in first trimester of pregnancy (1). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in pregnancy during the first trimester. With the evidence provided by these results, we have studied if thyroid screening should be made as a routine screening in pregnancy. Materials and methods: Total 400 pregnant women were screened for thyroid functions during the first trimester of pregnancy using FT3, FT4 and TSH as criteria. RESULTS: Increased prevalence of thyroid with increasing age. Abnormal thyroid profile seen in patients with recurrent abortions. CONCLUSION: Mandatory to screen to include the thyroid screening in the first trimester antenatal