# What is the importance of thyroid screening before or during pregnancy? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/thyroid-screening-importance-before-during-pregnancy Language: en Category: pregnancy Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:53.198Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:53.198Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/thyroid-screening-importance-before-during-pregnancy Thyroid screening before and during pregnancy is an essential step to ensure the health of both the mother and the fetus. The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, plays a vital role in regulating the body's energy use, and its hormones affect almost all organs in the body, including breathing, heart rate, weight, digestion, and mood [\[1\]](). During pregnancy, the importance of thyroid function increases due to its role in the growth and development of the fetus. Thyroid disorders, whether hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), can lead to potential complications for both the mother and the fetus if they are not properly diagnosed and treated. Therefore, thyroid screenings are recommended, especially for women who have risk factors or a medical history, to assess thyroid hormone levels and ensure they are within the normal range to support a healthy pregnancy. ## Why is thyroid screening important before pregnancy? Before planning a pregnancy, thyroid screening helps identify any existing disorders that may affect fertility or increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. If a woman suffers from hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism, adjusting thyroid hormone levels before pregnancy can improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy and reduce potential risks. For example, untreated hypothyroidism can affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation, which may make conceiving more difficult. The screening can also reveal the presence of thyroid antibodies, which may indicate autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease. The presence of these antibodies may increase the risk of thyroid disorders during and after pregnancy [\[3\]](). ## Importance of screening during pregnancy The body's needs for thyroid hormones change during pregnancy. Thyroid hormone production increases to meet the requirements of the mother and the developing fetus. In the early months of pregnancy, the fetus relies entirely on the mother's thyroid hormones to support its growth and neurological development. Untreated maternal hypothyroidism can lead to neurodevelopmental problems in the fetus, while hyperthyroidism may lead to preterm birth or low birth weight [\[1\]](). Therefore, regular screening during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, is necessary to monitor thyroid hormone levels and adjust treatment if necessary. Testing typically includes measuring the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (Free T4) [\[1\]](). ## Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis of thyroid disorders is based on medical history, physical examination, and blood tests that measure thyroid hormone levels [\[1\]](). In some cases, the doctor may request additional tests, such as a thyroid antibody test [\[3\]]() or a thyroid ultrasound. Treatment varies according to the type and severity of the disorder. In cases of hypothyroidism, treatment is usually provided by taking synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) to compensate for the deficiency. In cases of hyperthyroidism, treatment may include anti-thyroid medications under close medical supervision to ensure the safety of the mother and fetus. A pregnant woman should not stop taking any thyroid medication without consulting her doctor [\[1\]](). ## When should you seek medical help? If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have a family history of thyroid disease, or symptoms such as extreme fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, mood changes, or problems with body temperature regulation, it is important to consult your doctor. These symptoms may indicate a thyroid disorder that requires evaluation and treatment. Your doctor can help you determine if you need a thyroid screening and when it should be performed. For more information about thyroid disorders and their impact, you can visit [Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Impact on Mother and Fetus (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Thyroid Diseases]() - [Antithyroglobulin antibody test]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/thyroid-screening-importance-before-during-pregnancy#answer