Is maternal thyroid disease a risk for cerebral palsy?

Maternal thyroid disease during pregnancy can raise the risk of cerebral palsy in children. Thyroid problems in moms affect how the baby’s brain develops because thyroid hormones are key for brain growth in the womb.[4]

Doctors list maternal thyroid disease as one clear prenatal risk factor for cerebral palsy. It sits alongside issues like preeclampsia, infections, slow baby growth inside the womb, and twin pregnancies.[4] When a mom’s thyroid is off balance, it disrupts the supply of these vital hormones to the baby. This can lead to brain damage or other issues that cause cerebral palsy, a condition where kids have trouble controlling their muscles due to early brain injury.

Studies show thyroid imbalance across pregnancy trimesters links to higher chances of brain-related problems in kids, though most focus on autism. One report notes it ties to risks like cerebral palsy and epilepsy too.[3] Thyroid disease is not the only cause. Other factors include birth complications like low oxygen or infections, but fixing mom’s thyroid early might help lower the odds.

Experts watch thyroid levels closely in pregnancy to spot problems fast. Treatment with medicine can often balance hormones and protect the baby. More research is underway to confirm exactly how strong this link is and the best ways to prevent it.

Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12731818/
https://www.adhdevidence.org/blog-tags/risk-factors
https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/clinical/pediatrics
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/624279/what-is-the-definition-diagnostic-criteria-etiologies-and-types
https://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/news/maternal-obesity-neurodevelopmental-disorders/