What potential effect might untreated hypothyroidism have on a newborn?

What potential effect might untreated hypothyroidism have on a newborn?

• A. Thyrotoxicosis
• B. Mental retardation
• C. Goiter
• D. Hyperactivity

Answer: (B)

Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can significantly affect a newborn's development, particularly concerning cognitive function. The correct answer identifies mental retardation, now more commonly referred to as intellectual disability. Maternal hypothyroidism can lead to insufficient levels of thyroid hormones, which are essential for normal brain development in the fetus. This can result in long-term cognitive impairments, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism during pregnancy to promote healthy fetal development. While the other options list potential thyroid-related conditions, they do not directly correlate to the immediate effects of untreated hypothyroidism on a newborn. For instance, thyrotoxicosis refers to an excess of thyroid hormone, which is not a result of hypothyroidism, and goiter is typically associated with iodine deficiency or an overactive thyroid rather than a lack of thyroid hormone during pregnancy. Hyperactivity can be linked to other disorders but is not a specific consequence of untreated hypothyroidism in newborns. Thus, the focus on cognitive impairment underscores the critical role of thyroid hormones in early brain development.

Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can significantly affect a newborn's development, particularly concerning cognitive function. The correct answer identifies mental retardation, now more commonly referred to as intellectual disability. Maternal hypothyroidism can lead to insufficient levels of thyroid hormones, which are essential for normal brain development in the fetus. This can result in long-term cognitive impairments, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism during pregnancy to promote healthy fetal development.

While the other options list potential thyroid-related conditions, they do not directly correlate to the immediate effects of untreated hypothyroidism on a newborn. For instance, thyrotoxicosis refers to an excess of thyroid hormone, which is not a result of hypothyroidism, and goiter is typically associated with iodine deficiency or an overactive thyroid rather than a lack of thyroid hormone during pregnancy. Hyperactivity can be linked to other disorders but is not a specific consequence of untreated hypothyroidism in newborns. Thus, the focus on cognitive impairment underscores the critical role of thyroid hormones in early brain development.