Even Slight Elevation of Thyroid Levels During Pregnancy Increases Risk of Breech Delivery

A new study has shown that pregnant women who have during the end of pregnancy have a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level above 2.5 -- a level that is considered within the "normal range" or reference range for the TSH test -- are at higher risk of for their baby to be in a breech position (The term breech refers to a baby that is not in the head-down position.)

According to the study, about 11% of the women with a TSH above 2.5 had breech presentation, vs. 4.8% in women with a TSH level less than 2.5.

Some thyroid experts feel that these findings emphasize the importance of thorough screening and followup during pregnancy in women who have hypothyroidism.

More On Pregnancy and Thyroid Disease

• Fertility, Pregnancy & Thyroid Disease Information Center
• Managing Thyroid Disease During and After Pregnancy: Guidelines
• Pregnancy Site at About.com

_{Source:
Kuppens, SM, "Increased TSH levels increased risk for breech delivery," Clinical Endocrinology 2009;doi:10.1111/j.1365-2265.2009.03729}

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