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Am J Perinatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2708-5136
Original Article

Impact of Maternal Obesity on Neonatal TSH Levels: A Prospective Study on the Influence of BMI

Authors

  • Gökçe Çıplak 

    1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye

  • Gülsüm Kadıoğlu Şimşek

    1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye

  • Özhan Akyol

    2   Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye

  • Aylin Kayalı Akyol

    2   Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye

  • Hayriye Gözde Kanmaz Kutman

    1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye

  • Fuat Emre Canpolat

    1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
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Abstract

Objective

Thyroid hormones are crucial for fetal growth, especially the development of the central nervous system. The impact of maternal obesity on neonatal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, however, remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of maternal body mass index (BMI) on neonatal TSH (nTSH) levels.

Study Design

A prospective observational study was conducted involving 934 newborns with a gestational age greater than 35 weeks, born between July 2021 and January 2022. nTSH levels were measured from capillary blood samples obtained during routine congenital hypothyroidism screening. Maternal data, including age, pre-pregnancy BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, and thyroid function, were collected.

Results

The mean maternal BMI was 24 ± 4 kg/m2, and the mean nTSH level was 2 ± 2.7 mIU/L. No significant difference in nTSH levels was observed between infants of mothers with BMI ≥25 and BMI <25 (p = 0.069). When mothers were categorized into five BMI groups, the only significant difference observed between the groups was in weight gain during pregnancy (p = 0.001). Additionally, a positive correlation between maternal BMI and neonatal birth weight, height, and head circumference was observed. A weak positive correlation between maternal weight gain and nTSH levels (r = 0.204, p = 0.001) was also noted.

Conclusion

Our study indicates a potential relationship between maternal obesity and nTSH levels, suggesting that maternal BMI may influence neonatal thyroid function.

Key Points

  • There is a potential relationship between maternal obesity and neonatal TSH levels.

  • Maternal BMI and weight gain might influence neonatal thyroid function.

  • The study emphasizes the need for close monitoring of pregnant women with obesity.

Keywords

maternal BMI - neonatal TSH - neonatal thyroid function - gestational weight gain - pregnancy outcomes


Publication History

Received: 06 February 2025

Accepted: 23 September 2025

Article published online:
08 October 2025

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