Final Answer:
A. Congenital hypothyroidism may manifest as poor growth, constipation, dry skin, and developmental delays, while cretinism might display as severe intellectual disability, stunted growth, and physical deformities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maternal hypothyroidism can lead to congenital hypothyroidism in infants, characterized by symptoms such as poor growth, constipation, dry skin, and developmental delays. In congenital hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient hormones required for growth and development, affecting various bodily functions. Without timely treatment, it can result in irreversible cognitive and physical impairments.
Cretinism, a severe form of congenital hypothyroidism, presents more pronounced symptoms including severe intellectual disability, stunted growth, and physical deformities. This condition occurs due to a lack of thyroid hormone during fetal development, impacting brain development and causing profound cognitive deficits. Physical signs such as a protruding tongue, puffy face, and underdeveloped features might also be present.
These disorders, stemming from maternal hypothyroidism, underscore the critical role of thyroid hormones in fetal development. Early detection through newborn screening and prompt treatment with thyroid hormone replacement can mitigate the effects of these conditions, preventing long-term consequences on both physical and cognitive development.