Behaviour of Total Oestrogen, Pregnanediol and Creatinine Levels in the Amniotic Fluid in the Last Weeks of Pregnancy

Abstract

Summary Amniotic fluid levels of total oestrogens, pregnanediol and creatinine were studied in samples obtained between 35 and 43 weeks of pregnancy. Amniotic fluid total oestrogen levels increased in the last weeks of pregnancy and dropped in patients who were overdue and gave birth to infants showing signs of postmaturity. Amniotic fluid pregnanediol levels were steady in the last weeks of pregnancy, but increased sharply when pregnancy lasted more than 40 weeks. Creatinine levels increased steadily throughout pregnancy. It was felt that high amniotic fluid levels of pregnanediol were in some way associated with a failure of processes responsible for the onset of uterine contractions at term.