RCOG: Management of thyroid disorders in pregnancy (Green-top Guideline No. 76)

Summary

Thyroid disease is a common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age. There is variation in clinical practice and approach to thyroid diseases globally, in part influenced by differences in population iodine status. There remains controversy regarding testing for and management of thyroid disorders before conception, during pregnancy and postpartum. This guideline presents the available evidence for best practice and where evidence is lacking, consensus opinion by a multidisciplinary, cross-specialty team of authors is presented.

Both inadequate and excessive treatment of thyroid disorders, the choice of treatment, as well as delayed commencement and adjustment of treatment, can result in detrimental effects on the pregnancy and fetus. Therefore, care should be optimised when planning pregnancy, during pregnancy and after birth, and where possible, provided by clinicians with appropriate obstetric and endocrine experience.