[Thyroid disorders in pregnancy and after delivery].

During pregnancy, normal thyroid activity undergoes significant changes. Endocrine adaptation to pregnancy involves changes in iodine metabolism, serum thyroxine binding globulin, chorionic gonadotropin, suppressed immune activity and the small enlargement of the thyroid gland, particularly in iodine-deficient areas. Consequently, pregnancy and the postpartum period often influence on the course of pre-existing thyroid diseases, which are encountered frequently in pregnant women and after delivery. In addition, some thyroid diseases occurring exclusively during these periods may develop. Most of the thyroid disorders in pregnancy and postpartum period are treatable but may affect mother and foetus adversely if they are not evaluated and managed appropriately. In this paper, the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of different thyroid diseases during pregnancy and postpartum period are reviewed. Particular attention is devoted to the results of recently published studies.