What are pregnant women with undiagnosed and untreated hypothyroidism at risk for?

Pregnant women with undiagnosed and untreated hypothyroidism are at significant risk for various severe complications that can adversely affect both maternal and fetal health. The correct answer highlights the risks of preeclampsia, placental abruption, and stillbirth, which are well-documented in medical literature.

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and often significant protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy. Women with untreated hypothyroidism may have an increased likelihood of developing this condition due to hormonal imbalances and increased vascular resistance.

Placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely, can cause severe complications, including heavy bleeding and jeopardizing the baby's life. The underlying metabolic disturbances associated with untreated hypothyroidism can contribute to vascular complications, increasing the risk of this condition.

Stillbirth is a tragic outcome where the fetus dies in the womb after viability. Hypothyroidism can lead to fetal growth restriction and other complications that might elevate the risk of stillbirth due to insufficient thyroid hormone levels, which are crucial for fetal development.

In contrast, while chronic hypertension and infection may pose risks during pregnancy, they are not directly related to hypothyroidism. Gestational diabetes and low birth weight,