Which statement correctly describes Graves' disease in pregnancy?

Which statement correctly describes Graves' disease in pregnancy?

• A. Autoimmune disease with antibodies that stimulate thyroid hormone, increasing risk of thyroid storm
• B. It is caused by iodine deficiency
• C. It always remits during pregnancy
• D. It is treated only with radioactive iodine

Answer: (A)

Graves’ disease in pregnancy is driven by autoimmune stimulation of the thyroid. The body makes TSH receptor–stimulating antibodies that push the thyroid to release more thyroid hormones, leading to maternal hyperthyroidism. Those antibodies can cross the placenta, which means they can affect the fetus and potentially cause neonatal thyrotoxicosis. In the mother, if hyperthyroidism isn’t well controlled, there’s an increased risk of a thyroid storm, especially around labor or other stresses. It is not caused by iodine deficiency, it does not always remit during pregnancy, and radioactive iodine cannot be used during pregnancy. Management focuses on antithyroid medications (such as PTU in the first trimester and methimazole later) with careful maternal-fetal monitoring.

Graves’ disease in pregnancy is driven by autoimmune stimulation of the thyroid. The body makes TSH receptor–stimulating antibodies that push the thyroid to release more thyroid hormones, leading to maternal hyperthyroidism. Those antibodies can cross the placenta, which means they can affect the fetus and potentially cause neonatal thyrotoxicosis. In the mother, if hyperthyroidism isn’t well controlled, there’s an increased risk of a thyroid storm, especially around labor or other stresses. It is not caused by iodine deficiency, it does not always remit during pregnancy, and radioactive iodine cannot be used during pregnancy. Management focuses on antithyroid medications (such as PTU in the first trimester and methimazole later) with careful maternal-fetal monitoring.