High TSH levels in initial pregnancy

Dear Ask The Doctor: My wife is 1 month pregnant. Her TSH level is 17.44. How is it going to effect our baby?

Dear Joa: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This signals the pituitary gland to produce more TSH. Studies have shown that thyroid hormone plays an important role in the normal development of the brain. The sources of thyroid hormone in a fetus is from the mother and it's own (thyroid production in a fetus begins at 10-12 weeks of gestation). Hypothyroidism in pregnancy can lead to to several complications, notably preeclampsia, low birth weight and increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage.  Although effects of maternal hypothyroidism on fetal brain development are not well defined, several recent reports indicate that IQ is modestly affected. It was also seen that thyroid hormone replacement apparently prevented effects on the child's IQ.