A Study of the Prevalence of Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction in Pregnant Women in the First Trimester in Kirkuk City
Author(s):
Nermen R. Ahmad
Date: 08/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890
Abstract
Thyroid diseases have become increasingly prominent among endocrine disorders in recent years. There
is a close functional relationship between the thyroid gland and the reproductive system, leading to a high
probability of co-occurring disorders. Reproductive health problems are a major concern worldwide, and
investigating the effects of thyroid diseases on pregnancy is relevant. Subclinical and overt
hypothyroidism is mostly attributed to thyroiditis and causes risks such as premature birth, miscarriage,
and failure neurodevelopment in the child.
The aim of the current study is to determine the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in the first
trimester of pregnancy and to compare the results with mothers with normal thyroid function.
Methods: This study was conducted over a period of seven months. Women in the first months of
pregnancy underwent a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level test. For women with high TSH levels,
fT3 and fT4 hormones were also measured in the same sample. The women were divided into two groups:
Group 1: all women with (TSH) levels above (2.5 mIU/ml), considered to have hypothyroidism (12
women); and Group 2: women with normal thyroid function, with (TSH) levels between (0.1- 2.5 mIU/ml)
88 women.
Results: Patients ranged in age from (19- 37 years), with a mean age of (26.50±3.778 years). The average
gestational age of the study participants was (8.136±2.731) weeks. The mean TSH, fT3, and fT4 values
were (2.376 ± 1.241mIU/ml), (2.168±0.7969nmol/L), and (97.95±33.50nmol/L), respectively. Thyroid
disorders were found in 12% of the 100 patients. 88% of the patients had normal thyroid function.
Conclusion: The current study revealed a high prevalence of hypothyroidism (12%) among pregnant
women in the first trimester. Because of the significant impact of thyroid dysfunctions on the health of
both mother and fetus, we recommend routine thyroid testing before, during, and after pregnancy.
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