What tests are needed for abnormal thyroid function in pregnant women?

Mar 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Chuanjia

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, pregnant women with abnormal thyroid function need to undergo tests including thyroid hormone level testing, anti-thyroid antibody testing, thyroid ultrasound, complete blood count (CBC), and Down syndrome screening. Anti-thyroid antibody testing primarily detects anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. The presence of these antibodies may indicate that the pregnant woman has an autoimmune thyroid disease.

Generally, if a pregnant woman has abnormal thyroid function, she should undergo tests including thyroid hormone level testing, anti-thyroid antibody testing, thyroid ultrasound, complete blood count (CBC), and Down syndrome screening. The specific details are as follows:

1. Thyroid Hormone Level Testing

Thyroid hormone level testing includes measurements of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4). These indicators help assess whether the thyroid function of the pregnant woman is normal and are important parameters for diagnosing thyroid dysfunction.

2. Anti-Thyroid Antibody Testing

Anti-thyroid antibody testing primarily detects anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). The presence of these antibodies may indicate that the pregnant woman has an autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

3. Thyroid Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is used to examine the size, shape, and structure of the thyroid gland, as well as to detect abnormalities such as nodules or goiter. This test plays an important role in diagnosing morphological abnormalities of the thyroid.

4. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Although not a direct test of thyroid function, a CBC reflects the overall health status of the pregnant woman, including changes in indicators such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. These changes may sometimes be associated with thyroid dysfunction, such as anemia.

5. Down Syndrome Screening

Primarily used to assess the risk of the fetus having Down syndrome, certain markers in Down syndrome screening, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), may also be related to maternal thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, changes in these markers can be indirectly monitored during prenatal Down syndrome screening.

If thyroid dysfunction occurs during pregnancy, prompt medical attention should be sought, and appropriate tests and treatments should be carried out following a doctor's recommendations.

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What does it mean when there is too little amniotic fluid at seven months of pregnancy, and what should be done?

Low amniotic fluid at seven months of pregnancy may be caused by insufficient water intake, mild placental insufficiency, fetal urinary system developmental abnormalities, gestational hypertension, or gestational diabetes. It can usually be managed through general measures, medication, or other treatments. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. In daily life, pregnant women should ensure adequate hydration, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid fatigue.