Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
-
To present an overview of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) that can occur in pregnancy. ⋯ Treatment of maternal hyperthyroidism must consider both maternal and fetal thyroid status. In general, the lowest dose of antithyroid medication sufficient to produce maternal euthyroidism or slight hyperthyroidism is used. In pregnant women with hypothyroidism, doses of L-thyroxine should be sufficient to normalize maternal thyroid function without regard to the fetus. Identification and treatment of affected infants soon after birth will ensure a normal outcome. Whether inadequately treated maternal hypothyroidism is associated with a permanent intellectual deficit in the offspring is currently unknown.