How Does Prenatal Exposure Affect Thyroid Development?
Prenatal exposure to harmful substances can have a profound impact on thyroid development. The fetal thyroid gland begins to function around the 12th week of gestation, making the first trimester a critical period. Exposure to thyroid-disrupting chemicals during this time can alter the synthesis, secretion, and metabolism of thyroid hormones. This disruption can result in inadequate hormone levels, affecting fetal development and increasing the risk for CH.
