ABSTRACT
Complex changes in maternal endocrine systems occur in normal women as a result of the altered metabolic demands of pregnancy. Disorders of endocrinologic systems may be associated with adverse maternal, embryonic, or fetal effects. These effects include increases in infertility, spontaneous abortion, fetal malformations, maternal and fetal metabolic derangements, and maternal and fetal death. Certain endocrine disorders, such as gestational diabetes mellitus, arise spontaneously during pregnancy, whereas preexisting endocrine disorders may be exacerbated, may improve, or may remain stable during gestation.
