Maturation of the Secretion of Thyroid Hormone and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone in the Fetus

Abstract

Data on human fetal thyroid function have largely been derived from histologie studies or studies of cord-blood samples obtained at hysterotomy or delivery. These data may not represent true normal values. Cordocentesis (ultrasound-guided blood sampling from the umbilical cord) is a technique that allows investigation of physiologic processes in fetuses not under stress.