Maternal and Fetal Thyroid Function in Pregnancy

This is a major reference text filled with data on the actions of the thyroid hormones and the hormonal interplay between the placenta, fetus, and mother, and on the endocrine role of the polypeptide hormones produced by the fetal pituitary and placenta. It covers the management of maternal thyroid disease and the effect on the fetus of both the disease and its treatment. The book presents data on fetal thyroid function in normal pregnancy and in the presence of such pregnancy complications as intrauterine growth retardation and red cell isoimmunization. It also contains data on the fetal response to maternal administration of thyrotropin releasing hormone, and evaluates the role of such therapy in promoting fetal lung maturity. The book is heavily referenced throughout and contains many illustrations and tables.