Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy

This topic addresses the unique interactions between pregnancy and the endocrine system, focusing on disorders that arise or are exacerbated during gestation. Zambian tertiary students in obstetrics and endocrinology will study gestational diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders in pregnancy (both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, which can affect fetal development), and preeclampsia (a hypertensive disorder with complex endocrine and vascular pathophysiology). Physiological changes, such as increased human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulating the thyroid, are also covered. Understanding these conditions is critical for ensuring maternal and fetal health. This knowledge is essential for obstetrics, internal medicine, and pathology examinations and is directly applicable to antenatal care, a cornerstone of public health initiatives in Zambia.