Review article on endocrine diseases during pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy is the period where a woman undergoes several physical and hormonal changes in accordance to the growth of the fetus. Wide alteration in the levels of hormones from the normal values affect the state of gestation and the growth of the baby. Especially the most commonly encountered disorders like pregnancy induced thyroid disorder effects the neuro development of the baby whereas gestational diabetes makes mode of delivery complex. Hormonal imbalance can be investigated by haematological findings like thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 and T4 tests to identify thyroid disorders whereas HbA1C, Random blood sugar(RBS), fasting random blood sugar(FRBS) , post prandial blood sugar (PPBS) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to screen gestational diabetes. Apart form these there are some uncommon hormonal pregnancy disorders like cushing syndrome, conns syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal insufficiency. These complexes can be rectified up to certain extent by diagnosing them before hand thereby implementing life style changes, dietary changes and taking medications. Therefore, prior screening of the diseases is important in supress further complications in pregnancy and to have healthy progeny.