DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i11.003

Pages: 1258-1262

Background: Maternal thyroid hormone is the main source of thyroxine for the fetus during the first half of pregnancy and its deficiency has been linked to preterm birth, low birth weight and adverse neurodevelopment. Data on neonatal outcomes among treated hypothyroid mothers in Bangladesh are scarce. Local data are therefore needed to guide antenatal thyroid care. Objective: To detect neonatal outcomes and congenital anomalies among infants born to mothers diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the Maternal and Child Health Training Institute (MCHTI), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: This retrospective observational study, conducted from January 2022 to December 2024 at MCHTI and Ibn Sina Diagnostic & Consultation Center (Badda), Dhaka, reviewed records of 100 neonates of mothers with overt or subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 2.5 to 10 mIU/L with normal free thyroxine) receiving levothyroxine. Mothers with chronic hypertension, pre-existing diabetes, autoimmune disease, high-risk pregnancy or fetal anomaly on ultrasound were excluded. Data were analysed descriptively using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Most mothers had subclinical hypothyroidism. TSH was measured before conception in 21%, in the first trimester in 36%, in the second in 30% and in the third in 13%. Neonatal jaundice was the most frequent outcome (80%), followed by low birth weight (29%), preterm birth (21%), respiratory distress syndrome (11%) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (10%). Hypoglycaemia occurred in 5% and congenital anomalies in 2%. Gestational hypertension (10%), postpartum haemorrhage (3%), preeclampsia (2%) and psychosis (1%) occurred among mothers. Conclusion: Maternal hypothyroidism was accompanied by frequent neonatal jaundice, low birth weight and preterm birth. Early diagnosis and regular trimester-wise thyroid monitoring are recommended.