Study of Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Pregnancy Complicated by Thyroid Disorders

Sindhu Kumari, JSS Medical College and hospital , MysuruFollow
Poornima M, JSS Medical college and hospital ,MysuruFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1022-4204

Corresponding Author

Sindhu Kumari

email4sindhu@gmail.com

Poornima M

poornimam@jss.uni.edu.in

Abstract

Background:

Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, are common during pregnancy and can significantly impact both maternal and fetal outcomes. Despite advancements in screening and treatment, thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy often remains underdiagnosed, especially in low-resource settings. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, outcomes and effective management strategies of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of thyroid dysfunction, including both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, during pregnancy, and their associated maternal and fetal complications.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 281 pregnant women with thyroid disorders attending antenatal care at JSS Hospital, Mysuru, from August 2022 to January 2024. Thyroid function was assessed in each trimester, and maternal and fetal outcomes were documented. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Friedman’s test to evaluate changes in thyroid function parameters across trimesters.

Results: The mean age of participants was 27.95 years (N=281, 27.95±3.91). The majority of participants were diagnosed with hypothyroidism (N=277, 98.6%) and only 4 (1.4%) had hyperthyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction was newly diagnosed during pregnancy in 166 (N=166, 59.1%) of the cases. Thyroid function tests revealed a significant decrease in TSH and an increase in free T3 (fT3) and free T4 (fT4) levels across trimesters, indicating effective management of hypothyroidism. Maternal complications were observed in 98 (N=98, 34.9%) participants, with preeclampsia (N=23, 8.2%) and anemia (N=19, 6.8%) being the most common. Fetal complications occurred in 47 (N=47, 16.7%) pregnancies, with fetal distress (N=20, 7.2%) being the most frequent. Anti-TPO positivity was present in 181 (N=181, 64.4%) hypothyroid patients, and it was associated with higher rates of maternal (N=77, 42.5%) and fetal complications (N=39, 21.5%).

Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for universal thyroid screening early in pregnancy to detect undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction and ensure timely intervention. Despite effective management, considerable maternal and fetal complications persist, highlighting the importance of individualized care, trimester-specific monitoring, and multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize pregnancy outcomes.

Publication Date

2025

Publisher

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research

Keywords

Pregnancy, Thyroid Dysfunction, Maternal Outcomes, Fetal Outcomes

Word Count

2759

Recommended Citation

Kumari S, M P. Study of Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Pregnancy Complicated by Thyroid Disorders. Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025; 7(3): -. doi: https://doi.org/10.55691/2582-3868.1254