Unconjugated estriol and cortisol in maternal and cord serum and amniotic fluid in normal and abnormal pregnancy.

This study investigated unconjugated E3 and cortisol in normal and abnormal (diabetes and chronic stress) pregnancies and the compartmental (maternal, fetoplacental, amniotic fluid) concentrations and relationships in simultaneous samples. It was demonstrated that in labor both steriods are higher in all compartments than in patients having an elective cesarean section. Diabetic pregnancies do not differ radically from normal, but the stressed gestations have lower E3 and elevated fetal cortisol levels. That the maternal serum unconjugated E3 reflected fetoplacental function was confirmed. Twin pregnancies that were studied presented some conflicting data.