Pre-eclampsia may cause later thyroid problems

Pregnant women who develop pre-eclampsia during pregnancy are more likely than other women to develop thyroid problems later in life.

Pregnancy complication pre-eclampsia, is a serious condition when abnormally high blood pressure develops in trimester two.

Though the cause of the condition is still unknown, protein levels in the body are believed to be responsible. These levels rise during the last two months of a normal pregnancy and increase to very high concentrations in women with pre-eclampsia.

The research published today on the BMJ website, comes from findings in the US and Norway.

Research authors conclude that the subsequent care of women who have suffered from pre-eclampsia should make sure they are closely monitored for the development of cardiovascular and renal disease and reduced thyroid function.