During an examination of a patient in her third trimester of pregnancy, the nurse notices that the patient's thyroid gland is slightly enlarged. No enlargement had been previously noticed. What does the nurse suspect?

A) An iodine deficiency
B) Early signs of goiter
C) A normal enlargement of the thyroid gland during pregnancy
D) Possible thyroid cancer and the need for further evaluation

Goiter

An enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can cause a visible swelling in the neck.

Iodine Deficiency

A lack of the mineral iodine in the body, leading to insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which can cause various health problems including goiter and cognitive impairments.

Thyroid Gland

An endocrine gland in the neck that produces hormones regulating the body's metabolic rate, heart function, digestive function, muscle control, brain development, and bone maintenance.