The incidence of biliary sludge in first trimester pregnancies with hyperemesis gravidarum and its effect on the course of hyperemesis gravidarum.

Pregnancy is one of the risk factors for biliary sludge (BS) formation. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 959 pregnant women were included. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, sodium, potassium, triglycerides, cholesterol levels and the presence of ketones in urine were determined. The presence of BS was investigated using maternal abdominal ultrasound. The incidence of BS in pregnancies complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) was 14%. The degree of ketonuria and low birth weight were statistically higher in pregnancies with maternal BS than women without sludge. Total weight gain during pregnancies with BS was statistically lower than controls. The incidence of BS in pregnancies with HG does not appear to increase due to HG-related complications, such as dehydration, starvation and weight loss. However, the severity of HG may be worse when HG is associated with sludge.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? The incidence of biliary sludge (BS) in pregnant women ranges between 10.9% and 36%. Some clinical conditions, such as pregnancy, prolonged fasting, total parenteral nutrition, rapid weight loss and ceftriaxone treatment can play a role in the formation of gallbladder sludge.What do the results of this study add? This is the first study to investigate the incidence of BS in hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) pregnancies. Results show that HG may transiently be associated with BS. HG is more likely to cause a transient increase in new sludge formation. The symptoms and complications related to HG may be more severe when HG is associated with BS.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study showed that BS can be found in HG patients, and HG can be a predisposing factor for new sludge formation, although this association is generally driven by advanced maternal age and increased baseline serum lipid and alanine aminotransferase levels. BS may also be independently associated with an increased risk of subsequent preterm delivery in women with HG.

Foetal cardiac function in third trimester pregnancies with reduced fetal movements.

The objective of our study was to investigate the possible relationship between poor perinatal outcome and foetal cardiac functions in pregnant women with reduced foetal movements (RFM). This cross-sectional study included 126 pregnant women with normal foetal movements (Group 1, Controls) and 42 pregnant women over 32 weeks gestation with RFM (Group 2). Group 2 was further divided into two subgroups according to their perinatal outcome: normal perinatal outcome (Group 2a) and poor perinatal outcome (Group 2b). Cardiotocography, the E/A ratio in both atrioventricular valves, myocardial performance index (MPI) and foetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (f-TAPSE) were evaluated. Foetuses with poor perinatal outcome had a higher MPI (p = .003), higher tricuspid and mitral E/A (p < .001), and lower f-TAPSE values (p < .001). In regression analysis, f-TAPSE was the only parameter (p = .04) independently associated with poor perinatal outcome. In conclusion, examining f-TAPSE may predict adverse perinatal outcome in pregnancies with RFM.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Reduced foetal movement (RFM) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. Cardiotocography, amniotic fluid assessment, estimated birthweight, foetal Doppler and formal foetal movement count (kick chart) are generally used in the clinical assessment of pregnancies with reduced foetal movements. These tests, we currently use to assess foetal wellbeing in women with reduced foetal movements, have limited sensitivity in predicting foetal compromise.What do the results of this study add? Foetal cardiac Doppler may potentially be used as an important adjunct to the conventional management of women with a perception of reduced foetal movements.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Foetal echocardiographic evaluation, such as f-TAPSE, may influence clinical practice by enabling improved risk stratification for poor perinatal outcome, thus allowing more timely definitive intervention. This could help to decrease the rate of stillbirth related to reduced foetal movements. The few established echocardiographically derived parameters, which can asses global right ventricle function, are not always easy to obtain, however, f-TAPSE is easily obtainable using ultrasound and it appears to be a clinically useful echocardiographic measurement of right ventricular function.

SMAD2, SMAD3 and TGF-ß GENE expressions in women suffering from urge urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

We evaluated the changes in the levels of TGF-ß and SMAD gene and protein expression in the uterosacral ligament (USL) of patients with concomitant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) to illuminate the pathophysiology of UUI. The TGF-ß pathway is involved in collagen synthesis and degradation. The Transforming Growth Family-ß (TGF-ß) superfamily has essential intracellular signaling components, such as newly identified SMAD family members. We evaluated the changes in the levels of TGF-ß and SMAD gene and protein expression in the USL of patients with concomitant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and UUI. This study included 10 patients who had been diagnosed with POP and UUI in the study group and 14 asymptomatic women without complaints of POP and UUI in the control group. Biopsy samples were collected from bilateral USL tissues during vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy. Total RNA was extracted from USL tissue and analyzed by qPCR. The protein expression levels were also analyzed with ELISA. In UUI patients, SMAD3 and TGF-ß1 gene expression levels significantly decreased compared to the control patients (p = 0.008 and p = 0.006, respectively). SMAD2 mRNA levels did not differ between the study and control groups (p = 0.139). No differences was found in the levels of SMAD2, SMAD3, and TGF-ß1 protein expression between the two groups. The reduction in the gene and protein expression levels of SMAD3 and TGF-ß1 in women with UUI and lax uterosacral ligaments may indicate a causal link.Clinical trial registration: NCT04525105.

Assessment of anxiety-depression levels and perceptions of quality of life in adolescents with dysmenorrhea.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the anxiety-depression levels and the perceptions of quality of life, as well as the factors affecting these variables, in adolescents with dysmenorrhea. METHODS: The participants included 60 adolescents with dysmenorrhea and 41 healthy adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18. This study used the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) for assessing the perceptions of quality of life, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for measuring anxiety levels, and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) for measuring depression levels. RESULTS: It was determined that compared to healthy controls, the depression and anxiety scores were higher and the quality of life was impaired in adolescents with dysmenorrhea. In addition, it was shown that the depression and anxiety levels increased and the psychosocial health subscale scores of quality of life decreased with increasing dysmenorrhea severity. However, the likelihood of dysmenorrhea was found to be higher with increasing depression scores, while the anxiety levels had no effect on dysmenorrhea. CONCLUSION: In dysmenorrhea management, it is important to enhance awareness among pediatric clinicians and gynecologists regarding the associations between dysmenorrhea and mental problems.

Deep obturator lymph node dissection in gynaecological cancer patients: Is it feasible and useful?

Our aim was to investigate the feasibility and outcomes of deep obturator lymph node (DOLN) dissection in gynaecological cancer patients. A prospective study included 62 patients with a diagnosis of ovarian, endometrial or cervical cancer who underwent surgery. In the study group, 36 patients underwent obturator lymph node dissection above and under the obturator nerve, while 26 control group patients underwent routine obturator lymph node dissection above the obturator nerve. Groups were compared with respect to dissected lymph node count, intraoperative characteristics and early postoperative complications. Total lymph node count in the DOLN dissected group was greater than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups, regarding postoperative complications and intraoperative characteristics. The total number of lymph nodes dissected by using DOLN dissection increased without an increase in intra- and postoperative complications in gynaecological cancer patients.

Computed tomography as a predictor of the extent of the disease and surgical outcomes in ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to determine the predictive value of Computed Tomography (CT), alone or in combination with serum CA-125 levels, for preoperative staging, detection of the extent of the disease, and surgical complications in patients with ovarian carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and fourteen patients diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma following an exploratory laparotomy with a preoperative CT scan, performed between January 2007 and June 2013, were enrolled in the study. Preoperative CT and intraoperative surgical findings were compared using 14 parameters and predictions of CT for gas-trointestinal, genitourinary, and cardiovascular complications. All radiological features and clinical characteristics were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: CT and surgical findings correlated (sensitivity/ specificity) as follows: uterine and tubal spread (66%/89%), cervical involvement (100%/80%), peritoneal nodulesincreased density-carcinomatosis (57%/93%), omental involvement (68%/95%), retroperitoneal involvement (25%/84%), ascites (85%/87%), perirectal and perivesical fat plan obliteration (43%/94%), liver metastasis (50%/91%), small and large bowel involvement (47%/95%), adnexal mass (94%/70%), and other metastases (47%/86%). Also, CT findings were found to be statistically insignificant for prediction of mesenteric involvement, bladder metastasis, and diaphragmatic involvement. The overall CT sensitivity and specificity at detecting intraoperative findings was 91% and 71%, respectively. We found a statistically significant correlation between intestinal involvement on CT and the necessity of additional surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: CT is a widely used imaging method in the preoperative evaluation of ovarian cancer. However, its predictive value, sensitivity and specificity differ, depending on the anatomical region.

Changes of miR-139-5p, TGFB1, and COL1A1 in the placental tissue of cases with gestational diabetes mellitus.

There are structural changes in the placenta of cases with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). TGF-ß and collagen pathways have crucial roles in tissue remodeling and TGF-ß1 and COL1A1 are important genes in these signalling respectively. Also, lncRNA NEAT1, and miRNA hsa-miR-139-5p and hsa-miR-129-5p have regulatory effects on TGF-ß1 and COL1A1. Here we aimed to assess their expressions in the placenta tissue of GDM cases. 30 patients with GDM and 30 healthy pregnant women participated in the study. Placental tissues taken during normal or cesarean delivery were used and total RNA was isolated from the tissues. mRNA levels were determined by qPCR and protein levels were determined by ELISA methods. An in silico analysis was done to elucidate the possible relation of TGF-ß1 and COL1A1 gene networks with GDM. We determined that NEAT1 and miR-129-5p expression levels did not differ between GDM and healthy control groups (p = 0.697 and 0.412, respectively). But, miR-139-5p mRNA level, TGFB1 and COL1A1 protein levels significantly differ between the GDM and control groups (p = 0.000, p = 0.000 and p = 0.001, respectively). The in silico analysis revealed that TGFB1 and COL1A1 genes network may have important role in the GDM with their variety of members and regulatory molecules NEAT1, hsa-miR-139-5p, and hsa-miR-129-5p can control their functions. The expression of TGFB1, COL1A1 and miR-139-5p is changed in placenta tissue of GDM cases and many genes in the interacting networks of TGFB1 and COL1A1 could contribute to the pathogenicity of GDM.

First-trimester reference ranges for decidual thickness and its relation to progesterone levels.

AIMS: The present study aimed to provide normal reference ranges for decidual thickness measured ultrasonographically in healthy first-trimester pregnancies and to evaluate whether there was a relationship between decidual thickness and serum progesterone levels. METHODS: Decidual thickness of 173 women with a healthy gestation between 6+0 and 9+6 weeks was measured ultrasonographically and serum progesterone concentration was determined. Distribution of decidual thickness at each gestational week and its relation with serum progesterone levels was evaluated. RESULTS: Mean decidual thickness was 6.8, 5.7, 5.5, and 6.1 mm at 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th gestational weeks, respectively. Decidual thickness showed a mild negative correlation with gestational week (ρ=-0.207, P=0.006) and a mild positive correlation with serum progesterone concentrations (ρ=0.191, P=0.021). CONCLUSION: The present study provided normal reference ranges for decidual thickness in healthy pregnancies in the first trimester. The association found between decidual thickness and progesterone levels might shed light on further studies investigating the predictive factors of pregnancy loss and might lead to changes in the management of threatened miscarriage.

Efficacy of electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing for abdominal hysterectomy with uterine myomas more than 14 weeks in size: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing with conventional suturing during abdominal hysterectomy. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled prospective study. A total of 88 patients with myoma uteri larger than 14 weeks in size were divided into two groups: group A (44 patients who were administered the LigaSure vessel sealing system during surgery) and group B (44 patients who were administered conventional sutures during surgery). Total abdominal hysterectomy was performed in all patients. Hemoglobin reduction, operation time, hospital stay and visual analogue scale parameters of patients in both groups were compared. SPSS 16.0 was utilized in statistical analyses. The outcomes with a 95% confidence interval and a p value of less than 0.05 were regarded as significant. RESULTS: When the two groups were compared, it was observed that the LigaSure device significantly reduced the operation time (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, no statistically significant difference was determined in hemoglobin reduction, hospital stay and visual analogue scale parameters between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In myoma uteri cases larger than 14 weeks in size, LigaSure vessel sealing is a secure and comfortable method for surgeons to achieve shorter operation times in abdominal hysterectomy.

Cofactors in human papillomavirus infection and cervical carcinogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the effect of various risk factors as the promoters of HPV infection, and to identify which HPV-positive women may have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. METHODS: Smear preparations were examined and classified according to the Bethesda system. HPV-DNA detection and genotyping was carried out using polymerase chain reaction combined with reverse hybridization line-probe assays. Age, smoking habit, age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, number of term births, contraceptive method, progesterone therapy, history of sexually transmitted diseases, history or existence of warts and existence of cervical infection were recorded. RESULTS: 642 women (96 women with abnormal cervical cytology and 546 women with normal cytology) provided cervical samples. Smoking habit, number of sexual partners, number of term births, history of sexually transmitted diseases, history or existence of warts and existence of cervical infection were identified as the promoters of HPV infection. History of sexually transmitted diseases, history or existence of warts and existence of cervical infection were identified as cofactors affecting progression from HPV infection to cervical cancer. Neither of contraceptive methods studied was related to HPV infection or coexistence with malign transformation to cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: Information gathered from this study could be used to prioritize limited screening and treatment services to woman who have specific characteristics that may put them at an increased risk of HPV infection. Additionally, by identifying which women have a higher risk of cervical cancer; it may be possible to reduce the number of unnecessary colposcopies.

Urinary ascites following total abdominal hysterectomy.

Intraperitoneal urinary bladder perforation should be in differential diagnosis of acute renal failure soon after gynecological surgery. We present a case of massive urinary ascites and acute renal failure in a patient who presented 1 week after a total abdominal hysterectomy for simple endometrial hyperplasia. Biochemical features of uremia occur as a result of intraperitoneal extravasation of urine from urinary bladder and reabsorbtion through the peritoneum. Since those were the doctors who first diagnosed the patient, nephrologists performed dialysis therapy. After that long interval urinary catheterization of the patient had been applied. Without surgical repair and with long interval uretral catheterization primary dramatic resolution was seen as we expected. Nephrologists and gynecologists should be aware of this condition since pseudorenal failure which may resolve without dialysis might be seen due to intraperitoneal uinary bladder rupture following gynecological operations.

Ischemia-modified albumin in gynecology.

Background: Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is an oxidative stress marker used to assess the presence and severity of oxidative stress. This marker was first used for early diagnosis of myocardial ischemia. Materials & methods: A variety of IMA studies were carried out to show the effect of oxidative stress on gynecological disorders. Conclusion: This analysis summarizes the literature by conducting electronic research on the relationship between IMA and gynecological disorders.

Effects of adipose and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on vaginal atrophy in a rat menopause model.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Vaginal atrophy is characterized by thinning of vaginal epithelial layers and decreased local blood flow. We aimed to evaluate the regenerative effects of Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) and Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDSC) on vaginal atrophy in rat menopause model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into 4 (four) groups: sham, control, ADMSC, BMDSC. Vaginal epithelial thickness, structure of the lamina propria, blood vessels in the lamina propria, collagen deposition, and muscle structure were evaluated. Anti ER α, VEGF, VEGFR 1, Bax and bcl-2 antibodies were analyzed. Beta actin gene was used as endogenous control. Genetical differences among the groups were compared by using Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U test. p < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: Epithelial thickness of ADMSC group was higher than control group, but less than sham group Epithelial thickness of BMDSC group was less than sham group. Lamina propria and muscle tissue of ADMSC and BMDSC groups were found to be similar to sham group. VEGFR-1, VEGF, Bax and ER-α staining levels were higher in ADMSC and BMDSC groups than control group. ADMSC group stained stronger with VEGFR-1 and VEGF than BMDSC group. Bcl-2 staining level was increased in ADMSC applied group. No statistically significant difference was detected in Bax and Bcl-2 genes and Bax-/Bcl-2 ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Although genetic expression might have ended and could not be significantly demonstrated, histological and immunohistochemical results favor ADMSC application in vaginal atrophy rather than BMDSC.

The predictive role of sTWEAK levels in pregnant women with first-trimester vaginal bleeding.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships of TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK), a cytokine related to the TNF superfamily, its newly described soluble receptor sCD163, and the sTWEAK/sCD163 ratio with perinatal outcomes in women with first-trimester vaginal bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy (41 threatened abortion and 29 control) gestational-age-matched (6-14 weeks) pregnant women were included in the study. Antenatal complications (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, oligohydramniosis, polyhydramniosis), and perinatal outcomes (delivery mode, birth weight, delivery week) were recorded. Women with vaginal bleeding were divided into subgroups by pregnancy outcome (miscarriage or live birth) and subchorionic hematoma incidence. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. p Values <.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in sTWEAK or sCD163 levels, in sTWEAK/sCD163 ratios, or antenatal complications between threatened abortion and control patients. Higher sTWEAK levels were significantly correlated with higher rates of miscarriage in the threatened abortion group (p = .014). sCD163 levels were significantly lower in the subchorionic hematoma subgroup of the threatened abortion group (p = .043). CONCLUSIONS: sTWEAK levels may predict the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women with first-trimester vaginal bleeding.

Massive Ascites and Pleural Effusion in Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is defined as new onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation and complicates approximately 2-8% of all pregnancies. Release of vasoconstrictive agents, endothelial damage, hyperpermeability of the capillaries and microangiopathic haemolysis involves the basic pathophysiology. It has variable clinical presentation. Here, we report a case of severe preeclampsia who developed postpartum massive ascites and pleural effusion. Primigravid patient was admitted to our clinic at 35 weeks of gestation with very high blood pressure. In biochemical analysis, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was 401 U/L, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was 292 U/L. An emergency caesarean section was performed because of fetal distress. On the 2nd post-operative day, abdominal distension and severe abdominal pain occurred. On the 3rd post-operative day, her abdominal distension increased and Ultrasonography (USG) revealed massive ascites. Abdominal drainage was performed and albumin infusion was administered. On postoperative day 4, she still had abdominal distension and concomitant respiratory distress. Computed Tomography (CT) showed ascites and bilateral pleural effusion. Her complaint regressed on the following days.

Association between platelet indices and first trimester miscarriage.

We aimed to measure the effect of several potential risk factors on first trimester miscarriage. A total of 169 cases were included in the present study. Patients were selected from women who had first trimester miscarriage (n = 78) and controls were selected from the women who had given birth at term (> 37 weeks of gestation) to healthy infants (n = 91). Compared with the control group, in the miscarriage group gestational age (8.9 ± 2.8 weeks and 8.1 ± 2.2 weeks, respectively, P = 0.032), mean platelet volume (MPV) (8.8 ± 1 and 9.5 ± 1.1 fl, respectively, P < 0.001), plateletcrit (0.209 ± 0.03% and 0.241 ± 0.05%, respectively, P < 0.001), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (128 ± 37 and 145 ± 60, respectively, P = 0.027) were significantly higher. Multivariate analysis showed that first trimester miscarriage development ratio was 1.909 times higher when MPV value was over 9.1 fl (P < 0.001); 9.147 times higher when plateletcrit value was over 0.219% (P = 0.022). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine diagnostic MPV and plateletcrit values for first trimester miscarriage. MPV value greater than 9.1 fl determined miscarriage with 60% sensitivity and 65% specificity, while plateletcrit value greater than 0.219% determined miscarriage with 64.5% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. MPV and plateletcrit values were strongly associated with first trimester miscarriage. Platelet indices can be used for prediction of fetal loss.

G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor-30 gene polymorphisms are associated with uterine leiomyoma risk.

The G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPR30, GPER-1) is a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor 1 family and is expressed significantly in uterine leiomyomas. To understand the relationship between GPR30 single nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of leiomyoma, we measured the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels of 78 perimenopausal healthy women and 111 perimenopausal women with leiomyomas. The participants' leiomyoma number and volume were recorded. DNA was extracted from whole blood with a GeneJET Genomic DNA Purification Kit. An amplification-refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction approach was used for genotyping of the GPR30 gene (rs3808350, rs3808351, and rs11544331). The differences in genotype and allele frequencies between the leiomyoma and control groups were calculated using the chi-square (χ2) and Fischer's exact test. The median FSH level was higher in controls (63 vs. 10 IU/L, p=0.000), whereas the median E2 level was higher in the leiomyoma group (84 vs. 9.1 pg/mL, p=0.000). The G allele of rs3808351 and the GG genotype of both the rs3808350 and rs3808351 polymorphisms and the GGC haplotype increased the risk of developing leiomyoma. There was no significant difference in genotype frequencies or leiomyoma volume. However, the GG genotype of the GPR30 rs3808351 polymorphism and G allele of the GPR30 rs3808351 polymorphism were associated with the risk of having a single leiomyoma. Our results suggest that the presence of the GG genotype of the GPR30 rs3808351 polymorphism and the G allele of the GPR30 rs3808351 polymorphism affect the characteristics and development of leiomyomas in the Turkish population.

Is There Any Impact of Copper Intrauterine Device on Female Sexual Functioning?

INTRODUCTION: Intrauterine Device (IUD) is the most preferred modern contraceptive method in Turkey. Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is defined as lack of one or more of the components in the sexual response cycle which includes sexual desire, impaired arousal and inability achieving an orgasm or pain with intercourse. FSD has multi-factorial aetiology. Advanced age and menopause, fatigue and stress, psychiatric and neurologic disease, childbirth, pelvic floor or bladder dysfunction, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, hypertension obesity, medication and substances, hormonal contraceptives, relationship factors are known risk factors for FSD. AIM: To investigate if IUD has any impact on female sexual functioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study subjects were divided into two groups. Study group consisted of 92 IUD-users (mean 5.1±1.2 years) and the control group consisted of 83 women with no contraception. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was performed to both two groups. Women with a total score lower than 26.5 were considered as having sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: The prevalence of FSD was 57.1% among participants. IUD users had a lower total FSFI score comparing to control group but the difference was not statistically different (p=0.983). A positive correlation was found between total FSFI score and duration of IUD (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: No difference was found in terms of sexual dysfunction between IUD users and women with no contraception. The prevalence of FSD was very high in both groups which may be attributed to the socio-cultural factors such as embarrassment of women due to conservatism.

Adequate iodine levels in healthy pregnant women. A cross-sectional survey of dietary intake in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To assess current iodine levels and related factors among healthy pregnant women.  METHODS: In this cross-sectional, hospital-based study, healthy pregnant women (n=135) were scanned for thyroid volume, provided urine samples for urinary iodine concentration and completed a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics and dietary habits targeted for iodine consumption at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine,Mugla Sitki Koçman University, Mugla, Turkey, between August 2014 and February 2015. Sociodemographic data were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Median urinary iodine concentration was 222.0 µg/L, indicating adequate iodine intake during pregnancy. According to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, 28.1% of subjects had iodine deficiency, 34.1% had adequate iodine intake, 34.8% had more than adequate iodine intake, and 3.0% had excessive iodine intake during pregnancy. Education level, higher monthly income, current employment, consuming iodized salt, and adding salt to food during, or after cooking were associated with higher urinary iodine concentration.   CONCLUSION: Iodine status of healthy pregnant women was adequate, although the percentage of women with more than adequate iodine intake was higher than the reported literature.