To comprehend the significance of thyroid problems during pregnancy and their potential link to autism, we need to delve deeper into how the thyroid gland functions and the role it plays in the context of pregnancy.
1: Thyroid Function in Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the thyroid’s role takes on even greater importance as it directly impacts the health and development of the growing fetus.
2: Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy: Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, can manifest during pregnancy or pre-exist before conception.
3: Maternal Implications: When a pregnant woman experiences hypothyroidism, her body may struggle to meet the increased demand for thyroid hormones.