[Cooperation reduces the risks of thyroid disease in pregnancy. Also mild maternal hypothyroidism can threaten the neurological development of the fetus].

A history of thyroidal disease in a pregnant mother requires special attention. Untreated, or not adequately treated, hypothyreosis in a pregnant mother is likely to affect the neurological development of the fetus negatively. The authors refer the discussion on the need for screening for hypothyroidism in early pregnancy, but stress the need for everybody dealing with these patients (general practitioners, midwives, gynecologists, pediatricians and endocrinologists), to recognize women at risk and inform their patients on the need of careful monitoring of thyroid supplementation in case of pregnancy. On the other hand, women with Graves' disease should be carefully assessed for the presence of TRAK-antibodies, and be subject to specialist maternal care. Their babies risk neonatal thyreotoxicosis and need careful attention.