Thyroid diseases in pregnancy: a review.

OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of the pathophysiology of thyroid diseases in pregnancy and the various treatment methods currently available in its management. DATA SOURCE Review of literature was affected through index medicus search of major published journals and books. DATA SELECTION Published data on thyroid diseases on women in the reproductive age group over the last four decades were utilised. DATA EXTRACTION Abstracts and full text of selected manuscripts were read and analysed to determine their contribution to this article. DATA SYNTHESIS All relevant articles were reviewed and contributions extracted. CONCLUSION Thyroid diseases are the second most common endocrinopathies in pregnancy. Numerous hormonal changes and metabolic demands occur in pregnancy resulting in complex changes in maternal thyroid function. Thyroid diseases involves a multidisciplinary team approach to achieve good metabolic control and excellent obstetric care in order to ensure normal maternal and perinatal outcome.