A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism has revealed that low maternal free thyroxine (FT4) levels are associated with poor child neurodevelopment and lower IQ.
The thyroid hormone regulates a crucial component of early brain development and previous studies have shown that adequate maternal thyroid hormone concentrations during early pregnancy were responsible for neuronal cell proliferation, migration and differentiation.
There was a strong association between low maternal FT4 levels and the child’s IQ, specifically non-verbal IQ in addition to displaying numerous autistic traits.
Considering the significant role the thyroid hormones play in neurodevelopment, the study confirmed that it was biologically plausible that non-optimal levels of maternal FT4 during the early stages of pregnancy are related to a higher risk of autistic traits and lowered IQ levels.
Fertility First has recognised the importance healthy thyroid levels when it comes to fertility and early pregnancy health for over 20 years. Therefore, all patients are tested as part of their initial assessment and those with abnormal thyroid levels are treated to maximise getting pregnant, staying pregnant and having a healthy baby. These tests are updated with each new pregnancy.
