A role for estriol in human labor, term and preterm

Article Abstract:

Measuring estriol in a pregnant woman's saliva may determine whether she is likely to deliver prematurely. Estriol is a form of estrogen that occurs only in the fetus. It is produced by the fetal adrenal glands. The estriol can be detected in the mother's blood, urine and saliva. Research has discovered that the level of estriol in the mother's saliva begins to rise substantially during the last trimester of pregnancy. In women who deliver prematurely, this increase begins about four weeks sooner. Thus, an early rise in estriol levels could signal a premature delivery.

Pregnancy, Estrogen, Estrogens

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Hemostasis in newborns of smoking and nonsmoking mothers

Article Abstract:

Infants of mothers who smoked during pregnancy may not experience decreased blood coagulation or increased bleeding. Researchers compared umbilical cord blood samples from 26 newborns of mothers who smoked and from 25 newborns of nonsmoking mothers. Levels of prothrombin and thrombin in newborns exposed to cigarette smoke were no different from those of newborns not exposed. Prothrombin and thrombin allow the blood to coagulate to prevent hemorrhage. Infants born at term normally have an increase in the blood's ability to coagulate.

Pregnant women, Smokers, Passive smoking, Hemostasis

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Urinary compound W in pregnant women is a potential marker for fetal thyroid function

Article Abstract:

A chemical in pregnant women's urine called compound W might be used to monitor fetal thyroid function. This compound is considered to be a component of fetal thyroid hormones. Researchers tested urine samples from 94 women for compound W at various times during their pregnancy. The chemical increased during the first trimester compared to non-pregnant women and continued to increase throughout pregnancy. It is difficult to diagnose hypothyroidism in developing fetuses and this chemical could make the diagnosis easier.

Analysis, Diagnosis, Measurement, Hypothyroidism, Thyroid hormones, Urine, Urinalysis

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