Should thyroid antibodies be routinely tested for in pregnancy? 

Which postpartum thyroid condition can be deadly?

What are the safe ways to ensure adequate iodine during pregnancy? Is routine iodine supplementation safe?

If you thought you knew about thyroid but are struggling with the answers to those questions, this course is for you!

Learning Objectives:

Discuss the role of thyroid hormones in the body

Explain the role of maternal thyroid in fetal development (low maternal thyroid leads to irreversible cognitive development deficits and increases risk of neurodevelopmental disorders)

Explain the interplay between thyroid and stress (the H-P-T axis is stress sensitive and may be involved in stress regulation systems in the brain)

Explain the hormonal sequence leading to the production of thyroid hormones

Define TRH, TSH, T4, T3, TBG

Describe normal range lab values for TSH, T4 in a non-pregnant woman

Explain the impact of estrogen and of hCG on thyroid production

Discuss how pregnancy changes TSH and T4 values

Define hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism

Differentiate subclinical hypothyroidism from clinical hypothyroidism

Differentiate “primary” from “secondary” hypothyroidism

Define Hashimoto's Disease including cause

Describe how Hashimoto's Disease is diagnosed, including labs

Explain treatment of Hashimoto's Disease and how it differs from other hypothyroid treatments 

List signs, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria for subclinical hypothyroidism and for hypothyroidism

Explain treatment of hypothyroidism

Describe how low thyroid impacts pregnancy outcomes

Define hyperthyroidism

Define Graves Disease

Explain etiology and risk factors for hyperthyroidism

List signs, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria for hyperthyroidism

Explain treatment of high thyroid levels

Describe impact of hyperthyroidism on pregnancy outcomes

Explain postpartum hyperthyroidism and describe its course and treatment. (pp thyroiditis)

Define Sheehan's Syndrome, including its cause (pp pituitary necrosis due to severe pp hemorrhage) and prognosis (permanent and increasing destruction of gland)

List four clinical consequences of Sheehan's Syndrome

List four potential complications of Sheehan's Syndrome

This course has been approved by MEAC for 4 hours of continuing education. The approval number for this course is M1920-53-0101DE, and this approval is current through January 16th, 2022.

This course was previously approved from January 16th, 2018 through January 16th, 2020, under MEAC approval number M1718-50-0101DE.

Accepted by the NARM Bridge program for Category I.

This course is a fundraiser for Birthingway College.

  • Instructor(s)

    Instructor Bio:

    Holly Scholles, MA, CPM, LDM, is the founder and president of Birthingway College of Midwifery, and a homebirth midwife with 40 years of experience.

    Holly Scholles

    MA, CPM, LDM

Course curriculum

  • 01
    Start Here!
    Show details
    • Readings (optional)
    • Study Guide
  • 02
    1: Thyroid
    Show details
    • Video 1.1: The Players
    • Video 1.2: The Production Process
    • Video 1.3: Non-pregnant Values
    • Quiz 1
  • 03
    2: Thyroid In Pregnancy
    Show details
    • Video 2.1: Impact on the Fetus
    • Video 2.2: Normal Changes In Pregnancy
    • Quiz 2
  • 04
    3: But what about...
    Show details
    • Video 3.1: What About Iodine?
    • Video 3.2: What About Antibodies?
    • Quiz 3
  • 05
    4: Hypothyroidism
    Show details
    • Video 4.1: Subclinical Hypothyroidism
    • Video 4.2: Types of Hypothyroidism
    • Video 4.3: Risk Factors, Causes, S/S, Complication, Rule Outs
    • Video 4.4: Screening and Management
    • Quiz 4
  • 06
    5: Hyperthyroidism
    Show details
    • Video 5.1: Types of Hyperthyroidism
    • Video 5.2: Risk Factors, Causes, and S/S
    • Video 5.3: Thyroid Storm
    • Video 5.4: Other Complications and Rule Outs
    • Video 5.5: What Shall We Do About This?
    • Quiz 5
  • 07
    6: The Great Chart
    Show details
    • Printable PDF: Thyroid Disorders Chart
    • Video 6.1: Thyroid Disorders Chart
  • 08
    7: Postpartum Thyroid Disorders
    Show details
    • Video 7.1: Postpartum Thyroiditis Explained
    • Video 7.2: Postpartum Thyroiditis Factors, Complications, and Management
    • Video 7.3: Sheehan's Syndrome Explained
    • Video 7.4: Sheehan's Clinical Features, Complications, and Treatment
    • Quiz 7
  • 09
    8: Conclusion and Post-test (to generate CE certificate)
    Show details
    • Video 8.1: Conclusion
    • MEAC Evaluation Questions
    • MEAC Post-test and CE Certificate

Instant Unlimited Access

Take the course, print your CE certificate, retain access for later reference.

Reviews

  • By Yutta Engel

    “excellent class!!”

    “excellent class!!”

    →Read Less

  • By Nadya Cload

    “Great coverage and base of knowledge about a subject that needs o be understood, but often isn't. ”

    “Great coverage and base of knowledge about a subject that needs o be understood, but often isn't. ”

    →Read Less

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