What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your estriol levels mean for your baby's health and placental function. These notes include personalized recommendations on whether you need additional monitoring, follow-up testing, or should discuss results with your obstetrician. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your estriol levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful for monitoring pregnancy progression.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically available within 3-5 business days after your blood sample reaches the laboratory. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready to view securely online. If your doctor has specific concerns about your pregnancy, they may request expedited processing.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is primarily for pregnant women, especially those in their third trimester with pregnancy complications or risk factors. It's particularly important if you have pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, Rh immunization, concerns about fetal growth, or a family history of chromosomal conditions. Your obstetrician may order this as part of routine prenatal screening or to monitor known pregnancy complications.

What does low estriol mean during pregnancy?

Low estriol levels during pregnancy may indicate potential issues with fetal adrenal function or placental health. It can be associated with chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, placental insufficiency, or certain pregnancy complications. However, low levels can also occur in healthy pregnancies with anencephalic fetuses, so results must always be interpreted by your obstetrician in context with other test results and ultrasound findings.

What does high estriol mean during pregnancy?

Elevated estriol levels may be seen in certain pregnancy conditions like hydrops fetalis, where there's abnormal fluid accumulation in the baby's body. High levels can sometimes indicate fetal distress or complications with the placenta. Your doctor will evaluate high results alongside other prenatal tests, ultrasounds, and your clinical symptoms to determine what they mean for your specific pregnancy.

What is estriol and why does it matter during pregnancy?

Estriol is a pregnancy hormone that's unique because it requires both your baby's adrenal glands and the placenta working together to produce it. Your baby's adrenals make a precursor hormone called DHEA-S, which the placenta then converts into estriol. Because it depends on both fetal and placental health, measuring estriol gives doctors valuable insight into how well your baby is developing and whether the placenta is functioning properly.

How often should I retest estriol during pregnancy?

The frequency of estriol testing depends on your pregnancy risk level and any complications present. For high-risk pregnancies or those with complications, your obstetrician may order testing multiple times throughout the third trimester to monitor trends. For routine prenatal screening, it's typically done once as part of a triple or quad screen in the second trimester, or as needed in the third trimester based on your doctor's assessment.