Abstract

Pregnancy is a state of endocrinal changes and increased metabolic demand. In Western India about 10-15% of antenatal women have thyroid dysfunction in 1st half of pregnancy which is hypo or hyperthyroidism. Aim and Objective- The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographic profile & prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in antenatal women. Material and Methods – A cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU, Aligarh. A total of 420 women between 16 to 32 years of age were enrolled in the study after taking consent. All antenatal women were screened for thyroid dysfunction in order to determine the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Result- Among 420 antenatal women screened 87 were hypothyroid (20.71%) who did not have any feature of hypo or hyperthyroidism, past history of thyroid disease and women already on thyroid treatment. Among all demographic parameters, higher BMI (body mass index) was associated with hypothyroidism. Conclusion- Prevalence of hypothyroidism was much higher than previous studies though the cut off level of serum TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) was low in our study. Antenatal screening with serum TSH should be an integral part of antenatal care. Also high BMI (>30) was associated with hypothyroidism, life style modification to maintain normal body weight can help to prevent development of hypothyroidism.

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