Question

What are the effects of hypothyroidism (observed during pregnancy) on the development and maturation of a growing baby?

Answer 1

Hypothyroidism :

Hypothyroidism refers to the condition characterised by mal production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. The common disorders associated with lower levels of thyroid hormones include cretinism, myxoedema, goitre etc.



Effects of hypothyroidism on the fetus:

If the mother during pregnancy feeds on a diet deficient in iodine, she suffers from hypothyroidism. Deficiency of the thyroid hormones affects the foetus in the following ways:

• Stunted growth (cretinism)
• Low intelligence quotient
• Mental retardation
• Deaf-mutism
• Abnormal skin

It results in retarded development and maturation of the foetus.