Newborn Related What are the symptoms if my baby has congenital hypothyroidism? In general, symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism may include: prolonged neonatal jaundice, prolonged sleep, feeding difficulties , hypotonia, thickening and swelling of the tongue, hoarse crying, scanty bowel movements, constipation, and hypothermia. What should I do if I suspect that my baby has congenital hypothyroidism? If your baby has any of the symptoms mentioned above and you are concerned that he/she has congenital hypothyroidism, you should consult your doctor immediately for the best course of treatment. Do I need to continue to have my thyroid checked after delivery? Approximately 7% of women develop abnormal thyroid function within 1 year of delivery, known as postpartum thyroiditis (PPT), so new mothers should be aware of this condition and have their thyroid checked when symptoms appear. Child-related: How often should I have my child’s thyroid checked? If your child has been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, it is important to keep track of thyroid hormone levels. Doctors often recommend checking serum thyroid hormone levels every 3-6 months. Why is it so important to monitor thyroid function in children? Children who are not routinely monitored for thyroid function often end up with undetected and untreated hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. This can have serious negative consequences on the child’s growth and development. What is the impact of hyper/hypothyroidism on a child’s life/school? For children with untreated hypothyroidism, it can have a significant impact on their ability to learn. Insomnia and irritability caused by hyperthyroidism in children can affect the child’s ability to learn and socialize. Can thyroid disease be prevented? Preventing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism is difficult, especially in people who are susceptible to thyroid disorders. However, ensuring that you and your child’s diet contains adequate amounts of iodine will help prevent thyroid disorders associated with iodine deficiency. Please consult your doctor for further details.