ACOG Knew

The American gynecologists documented the harm of hypothyroidism to to the unborn child in ACOG Opinion 381, realized their mistake, then attempted to erase this forever.

If you wanted to read:

ACOG Committee Opinion No. 381: Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy

You are told “This document has been withdrawn or is no longer available. Please contact the Resource Center at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists”

But I found it and you can read it here. The contents of this opinion letter are damning.

ACOG’s own guidelines acknowledged:

“Before 12 weeks of gestation, a time when the fetal thyroid begins to concentrate iodine and synthesize thyroid hormone, the fetus is entirely dependent on maternal transfer of thyroid hormones. Brain development begins during this period of fetal dependency in the first trimester and continues throughout pregnancy and on into infancy.“

They also knew how common the problem was. The guidelines stated:

“The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism could be anticipated to be between 2% and 5% of women screened, depending on the TSH and free T level thresholds applied, and this represents most women who would be identified with thyroid deficiency through routine screening.“

And crucially, they acknowledged the timing window for treatment:

“Maternal thyroxine is particularly critical early in pregnancy because the fetal thyroid gland cannot synthesize iodothyronines until after 10 weeks of gestation. Treatment may be ineffective only if given after this time.“

Yet, despite acknowledging all three facts: (1) the critical window, (2) the prevalence of the condition, and (3) the window for effective treatment, ACOG stated:

“Data indicating fetal benefit from thyroxine supplementation in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism currently are not available... Without evidence that identification and treatment of pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism improves maternal or infant outcomes, routine screening for subclinical hypothyroidism currently is not recommended.“

They knew the window. They knew how common it was. They knew treatment had to happen early. They just decided not to screen for it anyway.

IF YOU ARE A MOTHER IMPACTED BY THIS HARMFUL GUIDANCE CONTACT ME: levolaw@proton.me