| Fetal iodine syndrome is a group of symptoms that may be observed in a fetus or newborn when the mother was exposed during pregnancy to inappropriate (excessive or insufficient) amounts of iodine, a nonmetallic halogen element. Maternal iodine can be readily transferred to the fetus, and chronic maternal exposure to iodine can lead to hypothyroidism and goiter in the offspring. The majority of the reported fatalities caused by iodine intoxication resulted from the use of iodine-containing expectorants during pregnancy. Based on these observations, the repeated or routine use of iodine-containing products is not recommended during pregnancy. In addition to the problems associated with iodine intoxication, iodine deficiency during pregnancy may be severe enough to produce hypothyroidism in the fetus. |
