Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Hypothyroidism: A Comparative Study at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Background:  Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders encountered during pregnancy and is associated with several maternal and fetal complications. Early identification and management are essential to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Aim:  To evaluate the impact of maternal hypothyroidism on maternal and fetal outcomes in comparison with euthyroid pregnant women attending a tertiary care center.

Materials and Methods: This hospital-based comparative observational study was conducted among 60 pregnant women admitted to a tertiary care hospital. The study population included 30 hypothyroid pregnant women and 30 euthyroid pregnant women selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed clinical history, obstetric profile, thyroid function status, maternal complications, and fetal outcomes were recorded using a structured proforma. Maternal outcomes such as anemia, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm labor, and mode of delivery were assessed. Fetal outcomes including low birth weight, preterm birth, fetal distress, APGAR score, NICU admission, and intrauterine fetal death were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Maternal complications such as anemia (46.7%) and preterm labor (30.0%) were significantly higher among hypothyroid mothers compared to euthyroid women. Cesarean section was more common in the hypothyroid group (50.0%). Fetal complications including low birth weight (36.7%) and NICU admission (30.0%) were also significantly increased among hypothyroid pregnancies. Overall adverse pregnancy outcomes were significantly associated with maternal hypothyroidism (p=0.01).

Conclusion: Maternal hypothyroidism is associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity. Routine antenatal thyroid screening and timely management may help reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.