Abstract
Iodine deficiency poses significant risks during pregnancy, affecting maternal and foetal health. Thyroid hormones, which are vital for brain development, rely on iodine, and deficiencies can lead to conditions like hypothyroidism and goitre. Monitoring urinary iodine concentration (UIC) is crucial for assessing iodine status, especially in pregnancy, where iodine plays a pivotal role in neurodevelopment. This descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 250 pregnant women from various healthcare facilities in Makurdi, Nigeria, over nine months. urine and blood samples were analysed using the Sandell-Kolthof technique to measure UIC and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to test thyroid function. Statistical analysis employed SPSS 21. TSH levels in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters were 2.76 mIU/l, 1.53 mIU/l, and 3.50 mIU/l, respectively. UIC analysis in 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters (mean ± SD) were 192.02 ± 40.71, 185.49 ± 32.94, and 186.5 ± 435.35mIU/l respectively. UIC < 150 µg/L was 1.2%, 3.2% and 4.0% in 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively. Thyroid hormone production fluctuations during pregnancy emphasise the importance of iodine sufficiency. Despite adequate iodine levels overall, notable percentages of participants exhibited insufficient UIC, especially in the third trimester. This underscores the need for continued monitoring and interventions to ensure optimal maternal and foetal health outcomes.