The Hindu : New Delhi News : Stress on thyroid tests during pregnancy

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Monday, Jan 17, 2011
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Stress on thyroid tests during pregnancy

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: A study conducted at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and King George Medical University, Lucknow, has found thyroid disorders are among one of the most common endocrine problems faced by Indian women during pregnancy.

The purpose of the study, which involved 633 women in their second trimester of pregnancy, was to determine the prevalence of clinical and subclinical thyroid disorders among pregnant Indian women. The women underwent routine obstetrical investigations along with thyroid-stimulating hormone tests. The results showed subclinical hypothyroidism in 6.47 per cent and overt hypothyroidism in 4.58 p.c. women.

According to experts, prompt diagnosis and treatment of the condition are of paramount importance in preventing maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality.

Film actor and mother of two, Kajol, also supports creating awareness about thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women. Speaking during the “Think Thyroid Month”, she said: “During both my pregnancies I made sure that I got my thyroid tests done, however, busy my schedule may have been. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnant Indian women at 6.47 per cent is an alarming figure. I urge all expectant mothers to set aside time to go for thyroid tests. This is for the safety of their babies.” “Most expectant mothers pay more attention to their diet, blood pressure, exercise and regular check-ups than they do to a thyroid test. I would urge pregnant women in India to also go for a mandatory thyroid test to ensure a healthy life for their unborn child,” said The Indian Thyroid Society president Professor R. V. Jayakumar.

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