Thyroid disease in pregnancy

Question 1

Define thyroid disease in pregnancy.

Answer 1

Disease of the thyroid in a pregnant woman.

Question 2

What are the different types of thyroid disease?

Answer 2

Hyperthyroid:

• Grave’s disease - autoimmune
• Molar pregnancy
• Multinodular thyroid

Hypothyroidism:
- Hashimoto’s disease

Hyperthyroid followed by hypothyroid:
- De Quervain’s viral thyroiditis

Question 3

What is the treatment for thyroid disease in pregnancy?

Answer 3

Treat underlying cause i.e. remove molar pregnancies

Levothyroxine

Propylthiouracil

Carbimazole and radiation ablation is CONTRAINDICATED

Question 4

What are complications associated with thyroid disease in pregnancy?

Answer 4

Miscarriage

Premature birth

Low birthweight

Preeclampsia

Thyroid storm

Congestive heart failure

Question 5

What is congenital hypothyroidism?

Answer 5

Cretinism