Can hypothyroidism lead to a malformation of my baby? | Hypothyroidism during pregnancy

Can hypothyroidism lead to a malformation of my baby?

If the mother’s hypothyroidism is detected early and treated appropriately, there is no risk of the baby’s thyroid gland malfunctioning. However, if untreated hypothyroidism exists, it can impair the mental development of the unborn child. Studies show that children of untreated hypothyroid mothers have a significantly lower intelligence quotient (IQ) at school age compared to other children.

In addition, women with untreated hypothyroidism were found to have a significantly higher rate of premature births (births before the 34th week of pregnancy). In premature babies, the organs are not yet fully developed and accordingly there is a risk of physical and mental impairment. Normally the mother produces thyroid hormones, which are essential for fetal development.The fetus can produce thyroid hormones only from the 20th week on and is dependent on the mother’s care before that. But women with hypothyroidism can also lead a normal pregnancy and give birth to healthy children. It is therefore important to diagnose the disease as early as possible, to treat it accordingly and to have the function of the thyroid gland regularly checked by a doctor.

Which drugs may be used?

To treat hypothyroidism during pregnancy, L-thyroxine (Euthyrox®) is the treatment of choice. This thyroid medication corresponds to natural thyroxine (T4) and is taken in the form of tablets or capsules. There is no danger to the foetus if the dosage is correct. It should only be taken after consultation with and under the supervision of a doctor.

What are the risks of hypothyroidism for my baby during pregnancy?

If the thyroid gland is underactive during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of miscarriage as well as premature and stillbirth. The fact that the fetus is supplied with too little maternal thyroid hormone via the placenta can impair mental and physical development. However, by drug substitution with the appropriate dose of thyroid hormones, there is no danger of these risks occurring if maternal thyroid function is well adjusted.