Association Between Thyroid Dysfunction Among Pregnant Women with Bad Obstetric History A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is increasingly prevalent globally, particularly in developing countries where dietary and hygiene practices during pregnancy contribute to its incidence. This condition significantly affects maternal and fetal health, necessitating closer examination, especially in populations with adverse obstetric histories.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among pregnant women with a history of adverse obstetric outcomes and to underscore the necessity for targeted screening and management strategies.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involved 260 pregnant women aged 18 to 40 with a history of poor obstetric outcomes. Participants were selected through non-probability consecutive sampling. After obtaining informed consent, demographic data were collected, and thyroid function was assessed by measuring TSH, T3, and T4 levels in a hospital laboratory. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0, utilizing means and standard deviations for quantitative data and frequencies and percentages for qualitative data.

Results: The average age of participants was 30.31 ± 3.11 years. Mean thyroid hormone levels were recorded at T4: 1.84 ± 1.12 and TSH: 4.32 ± 0.91. Thyroid dysfunction was identified in 45.4% of the women, with 65.2% having subclinical hypothyroidism and 34.7% exhibiting subclinical hyperthyroidism among those diagnosed.

Conclusion: The study highlights a significant prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women with poor obstetric histories, indicating a critical need for comprehensive screening and tailored management to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.