Research suggests Autism four times likelier when mother's thyroid is weakened

[SlowDragon]

Yet another reason to get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing BEFORE considering TTC

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

159 mothers were identified as being severely T4 deficient (defined as having 5 percent or less of normal T4, but producing a normal amount of thyroid stimulating hormone),

An another research paper

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

author Dr Peter Taylor of Cardiff University, UK. "In fact, universal thyroid screening in early pregnancy fulfills most criteria for a beneficial and cost-effective screening program, and has already been implemented in countries like Spain, China and Poland."

But others, like the UK and USA, opt instead for a 'case-finding' approach. This means they screen only those women considered to be at high risk of thyroid dysfunction -- based on clinical signs or symptoms, or a history of autoimmune diseases or preterm deliveries.

So why doesn't everyone agree on universal thyroid screening in early pregnancy?

"Economic models show that universal screening is the most cost-effective approach, even if only obvious hypothyroidism (profoundly low thyroid hormone level) -- which is often missed by case-finding -- affects pregnancy and brain development."

[RedApple Administrator]

What a strange way of putting it... 'when the mother's thyroid is weakened'. Why not just say when thyroid hormone levels are too low, or something like that. I remember reading about a possible connection years ago, but thought it had since been debunked by the medical profession, as they do!

[fuchsia-pink in reply to RedApple]

or "when doctors don't test free T3 and free T4 properly"?

No, let's blame the woman instead.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Or if a planned pregnancy....getting tested first before TTC

Folate levels are extremely important BEFORE conception

betterhealth.vic.gov.au/hea...

[Marz]

... and with being Hypo comes the LOW B12 and VitD which also has a negative effect on baby's health/IQ I have read.

[Murphysmum]

I’ve always maintained my two sons (well, one not diagnosed yet, not “bad” enough) ADHD was due to me being under medicated when pregnant.

There is no family history, I was healthy, ate well, supplemented etc etc.

I now realise that I’ve probably never converted levo well and was probably therefore under replaced.

My children will have to live with the consequences forever. My 7 year old already suffers poor mental health because he “feels different”.