Endocrinology of Pregnancy

Question 1

How does the thyroid function in pregnancy?

Answer 1

Hypothalamus secretes TRH which goes to the anterior pituitary causing it to secrete TSH. This TSH goes to the thyroid causing secretion of T3 and T4

Question 2

What does HCG do to thyroid hormones?

Answer 2

Reduces TSH and therefore T3/4

Question 3

Why do foetuses need a thyroid?

Answer 3

Growth and development

Question 4

What is hypopthyroidism?

Answer 4

Lower thyroid requiring thyroid replacement

Question 5

What are signs of over hypothyroidism?

Answer 5

High TSH
Low fT4

Question 7

What is subclinical hypothyroidism?

Answer 7

High TSH normal FT4

Question 8

What is subclinical hypothyroidism associated with?

Answer 8

Stillbirth, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia and preterm delivery

Question 9

What is gestational diabetes?

Answer 9

Diabetes when pregnant

Question 10

What are risk factors for gestational diabetes?

Answer 10

BMI, age, ethnicity

Question 11

How is gestational diabetes managed?

Answer 11

Lifestyle and diet
Insulin