Maternal oestriol levels reflect placental function rather than foetal function.

We have examined the relationship between foetal levels of E3 and DHEA-SO4 and the birthweight of the child. Levels of these steroids do not relate to birthweight--although the concentration of DHEA-SO4 was marginally but not significantly higher in infants of lower birthweight. These findings suggest that the placental conversion of foetal precursors, and not the level of the precursors themselves, determines the concentration of E3 in the mother.

The relationship of placental protein 14 (PP14) in the mother and fetus to specific products of the human placenta.

Levels of placental protein 14 (PP14), human placental lactogen (hPL) and unconjugated oestriol (E3) were measured in maternal peripheral and umbilical arterial and venous blood obtained from 65 normal pregnancies at term delivery. PP14 levels were one order of magnitude higher in the mother than in the fetus. Neither maternal nor fetal levels of PP14 were related to the birthweight of the fetus.

Which is the best placental function test? A comparison of placental lactogen and unconjugated oestriol in the prediction of intrauterine growth retardation.

Serum placental lactogen (hPL) and unconjugated oestriol (E3) levels were measured in 392 women at weekly intervals from 36-40 wk gestation. The levels of both hPL and E3 were reduced in subjects delivering a growth-retarded child. The clinical significance of this observation was similar for the two compounds, with a marginal advantage to hPL.

Maternal and fetal alphafetoprotein (AFP) levels at term. Relation to sex, weight and gestation of the infant.

Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was measured in maternal, cord arterial and venous blood. Samples were collected at the time of vaginal delivery from 105 women at 36-42 weeks' gestation. There was a significant correlation between maternal, cord arterial and venous AFP.