During pregnancy, the fetus undergoes rapid changes during the course of development. Nutrition of the mother plays a vital role in the growth of the fetus. Certain deficiencies and diseases in the mother are known to have negative effects on the developing baby. If these deficiencies or diseases are left untreated, they may have long term effects on the infant after birth. One such disease known to have mild to severe effects on the developing fetus is thyroid disease. Thyroid disease, usually caused by an iodine deficiency, can cause several issues for both the mother and fetus during pregnancy. The most common effects caused by thyroid disease are fetal neurocognitive development, mental retardation, premature birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Treatment of thyroid disease during pregnancy is important to ensure healthy fetal development.
The thyroid is a gland that produces hormones which affect human growth, use of energy, heat production, and more. Several factors are important in regulating the thyroid including iodide and four thyroid hormones. The four thyroid hormones are Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyrotropin (TSH), and Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). The two main types of thyroid deficiencies are hypothyroidism with low levels of T4, and hyperthyroidism an overactive thyroid gland. Iodine is an essential element that the body does not produce naturally. Since it cannot be produced by the body naturally, foods rich in iodine or iodine supplements are recommended. Some foods that have iodine in them are products made with cow's milk, shellfish, select soy products, and iodized table salt. The recent trend toward non-iodized table salt to sea salt has affected iodine levels in most people, especially pregnant women. According to Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy, "The Effect on Neurodevelopment in the Child, a 50% increase in iodine intake is recommended in order for pregnant women to produce enough thyroid hormones to meet fetal requirements.
