17th Jul 2025

How do thyroid problems affect the baby during pregnancy? | Dr. LumiyaMalik | KIMS Hospital Dr. Lumiya Malik (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - KIMS Trivandrum) explains that problems in the mother can affect the baby during pregnancy. If the thyroid hormones are not supplemented in the first trimester the baby can have the risk to have a neurological impairment and brain development. Therefore thyroid supplementation is important till the 11th week of the pregnancy. If the thyroid hormones are not kept in the normal range then there is a chance of preterm labor, low birth weight, etc. Therefore, thyroid hormone levels should be checked once in four to six weeks if the mother is on medication. Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism doesn't cause any birth defect.