Thyroid Problems In Pregnancy: Screening For All Mums To Be?

Thyroid Problems In Pregnancy: Screening For All Mums To Be?

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If researchers get their way, all mums-to-be could be routinely screened for thyroid problems in pregnancy.

The call comes after Czech researchers said a simple blood test could pick up about a third of thyroid problems in mothers-to-be who displayed no symptoms, but who would go on to develop full-blown disease after their babies were born.

The medics from the European Congress of Endocrinology believe that early detection of the illness could have major implications for the health of mothers and babies.

Their study looked at almost 200 women through early pregnancy and beyond, and although around half had no symptoms of thyroid problems, they went on to test positive for a marker in the blood that suggests they may be at future risk, and about a third went on to develop thyroid problems within two years of birth.

Midwives in the UK remain unconvinced, however, saying that more evidence is needed.

What do you think?

Did you develop thyroid problems after pregnancy?

Do you think there should be routine tests for it? Or are pregnant women subjected to enough screening as it is?

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