oestrogens in pregnancy
Last reviewed 01/2018
During pregnancy the levels of oestrogen increase steadily from the tenth week of gestation to term.
The functions of oestrogen during pregnancy are considered to be:
- stimulation of protein synthesis
- stimulation of myometrial hypertrophy. This allows the uterus to accommodate the enlarging fetus.
- fluid retention
- alteration of serum protein levels
- increase in the diameter of uterine blood vessels
- growth stimulation of the breast duct system