The Handbook Of Thyroid Diseases During Pregnancy
Thyroid disease in pregnancy represents a significant endocrine challenge, affecting maternal and fetal health. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and their subclinical variants arise from disruptions in thyroid hormone balance, which is vital for fetal neurodevelopment and maternal well-being. Pregnancy-induced physiological changes, including increased thyroid hormone production and iodine requirements, can obscure the diagnosis and management of thyroid dysfunction. If left untreated, these conditions increase the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labour, low birth weight and cognitive impairments in the child. Early recognition and appropriate treatment of thyroid disease are essential to mitigate these risks and promote positive pregnancy outcomes.
The TOSOH PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TPAP) on Thyroid and Pregnancy helps healthcare professionals understand the symptoms, causes and diagnostic criteria of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy. By linking clinical presentation with laboratory findings, this handbook explains the importance of detection and effective monitoring of thyroid disorders can reduce the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, support optimal neurodevelopment of the fetus and guide appropriate therapeutic interventions. Overall, it reinforces the critical role of thyroid testing in ensuring safe pregnancies and improved maternal-fetal health outcomes.