Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy Linked To Lower IQ For Child

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, children born to mothers with untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy score lower on IQ tests than children of healthy mothers, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

Children born from mothers with hypothyroidism also scored lower on tests measuring attention, language, reading and visual-motor performance.

The thyroid gland is found in the neck and produces a hormone, thyroxine, instrumental to many bodily functions. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the gland does not produce enough of this hormone. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include feeling tired or without energy; coarse, brittle hair; thick, coarse skin; and a lowering of the metabolic rate (which means you put weight on more easily than you might otherwise do).

Hypothyrodism can also contribute to infertility and it is estimated that about 3% of women of child bearing age may suffer from this condition.

The condition can be corrected by medication and / or supported through nutritional intervention and there are some simple ways of assessing whether your thyroid is not functioning at is optimum level, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.