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What is endocrine pathology in pregnant women?

Pregnant women with endocrine disorders deserve special attention due to the stage of life they are experiencing, but also because endocrine diseases such as thyroid problems or gestational diabetes may appear/manifest in pregnant women.

Assessment should always be carried out in the preconception phase (i.e., before pregnancy), during pregnancy and after delivery. 

It should be noted that, in the case of infertility, an endocrinology evaluation is particularly important, and an endocrine check-up should always be carried out.

Symptoms

Symptoms

The symptoms are diverse, depending on the etiology in question.

Causes

Causes

  • Overweight/obese;
  • Family history of diabetes in the first degree (parents or siblings);
  • Age greater than or equal to 30 years;
  • History of fetal macrosomia (baby weighing more than 4 kg at birth);
  • History of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy;
  • Recurrent miscarriages;
  • Multiparity.
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Treatment of endocrine pathology in pregnant women

Treatment depends on the pathology in question. Contact us for more information.

Medical Specialist
in Endocrine Pathology of Pregnancy

Dr. Rosa Dantas

  • She has a degree in Medicine with a specialization in Endocrinology and Nutrition.
  • He holds the degree of Consultant in Endocrinology and Nutrition.
  • She is a researcher in national and international clinical research projects.
  • Author and co-author of scientific articles published in national and international journals.
  • He is a member of several national and international scientific societies in the field of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity.
See Full Biography
Dr. Rosa Dantas

Medical Specialist
in Endocrine Pathology of Pregnancy

Dr. Selma Souto

  • She has a degree in Medicine with a specialization in Endocrinology and Nutrition.
  • She was a guest lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto.
  • He is currently Vice-President of the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (2024-2026).
  • He is a member of several national and international scientific societies in the field of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity.
  • Author and co-author of more than 20 book chapters in the area of Obesity and Diabetes.
See Full Biography
Dr. Selma Souto

Frequently Asked Questions about Endocrine Pathology in Pregnancy

1

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels (hyperglycemia) that appear or are first detected during pregnancy.

2

Why does gestational diabetes occur?

Glucose from food serves as a source of energy for our bodies. For glucose to enter cells (so it can be used as an energy source) it requires the presence of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas.

During pregnancy, hormones are produced that hinder the work of insulin, leading to a period of insulin resistance.

In pregnant women without diabetes, the pancreas can adapt and increase insulin secretion, meeting this demand. In women with gestational diabetes, however, the pancreas cannot compensate for the natural insulin resistance that occurs during pregnancy, resulting in high blood glucose levels.

3

What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes?

The risk factors associated with gestational diabetes are:

  • Overweight/obese;
  • Family history of diabetes in the first degree (parents or siblings);
  • Age greater than or equal to 30 years;
  • History of fetal macrosomia (baby weighing more than 4 kg at birth);
  • History of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy;
  • Recurrent miscarriages;
  • Multiparity.
4

Why does thyroid disease occur during pregnancy?

Thyroid diseases are relatively common, especially in women of childbearing age. The relationship is bidirectional; pregnancy can alter the natural course of the disease, just as thyroid disease can affect the normal course of pregnancy (both mother and fetus).

Fetal thyroid function only occurs after 20 weeks of gestation, so until then, the fetus depends exclusively on maternal thyroid hormones.

5

How is thyroid disease diagnosed during pregnancy?

The diagnosis of thyroid disease is made mainly through blood tests and thyroid ultrasound whenever necessary, after careful clinical observation and objective examination.

Hormone levels should be interpreted with caution, as the usual reference values are not those used pre-conceptionally or in the different trimesters of pregnancy.

6

What is the role of iodine?

Iodine deficiency has harmful consequences for pregnant and breastfeeding women, including miscarriages, premature births, stillbirths, congenital malformations, goiter and hypothyroidism.

In newborns, this may result in impaired development of the central nervous system (CNS), as thyroid hormones are essential for the development of the CNS, which begins in intrauterine life and therefore depends on sufficient maternal support.

For this reason, iodine deficiency during pregnancy is a global public health problem, and universal salt iodization has been the main strategy for combating it.

However, not all pregnant women can take iodine supplements, especially those with certain thyroid conditions, so you should always consult your endocrinologist to find out which vitamins you should take.

7

Can I book an Endocrinology appointment online?

Yes, it's possible to schedule an endocrinology teleconsultation. To do so, simply contact Allure Clinic.