Thyroid Status in Mauritian Pregnant Women

Abstract

It is estimated that thyroidal abnormalities affect between 5-15 per cent of all pregnancies worldwide. The thyroid gland is subjected to physiological adaptations during pregnancy, which usually take place without any pathological consequences provided that the functional capacity of the gland is intact and also there is sufficient iodine in the diet. Disorders resulting from a restricted iodine intake or of autoimmune nature have a tendency to be exacerbated among pregnant women, thereby allowing subclinical conditions.