- By Priyanka Munshi
- Wed, 05 Mar 2025 04:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Thyroid hormones are essential for every cell in the body, especially during fetal development. They play a crucial role in fetal brain development and maturation. Until the fetal thyroid gland becomes functional, maternal thyroid hormones aid in the development of various organs, including the brain (between 12 to 20 weeks of gestation). In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. B. Sahithi Priya, M.S, M.Ch, Consultant Endocrine and Breast Surgeon at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, discussed the significance of thyroid hormones in fetal development.
According to Dr. B. Sahithi Priya, thyroid hormones provide signals for the differentiation and maturation of various brain cells, a process that can continue up to two years post-delivery. Thyroid receptors are found in the highest concentration in developing brain cells, particularly in areas responsible for memory, cognition, vision, and hearing. These hormones bind to specific receptors in these regions and stimulate various genes required for these functions.
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Thyroid hormone deficiency during fetal development can lead to mental retardation and other neurological impairments. The demand for thyroid hormones increases during pregnancy, as the fetus is also dependent on the mother's thyroid hormone supply. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can result in cretinism in the child, leading to mental retardation, reduced IQ, deaf-mutism, squint, and growth retardation, Dr. B. Sahithi Priya added.
Finally, Dr. B. Sahithi Priya emphasised that to prevent such serious complications, timely thyroid hormone analysis and appropriate treatment during pregnancy (especially in the first half) are crucial. Women diagnosed with gestational hypothyroidism should undergo a monthly thyroid profile check, and thyroxine dosage should be adjusted as needed.