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| Estrogen in maternal circulation: | |
| (i) Enhances myometrial activity | |
| (ii) Soften collagen fibers in the cervical tissue | |
| (iii) Promotes myometrial vasodilation | |
| (iv) Increases uterine blood flow | |
| (v) Increases production of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I/II) and binding proteins | |
| (vi) Promotes growth of the uterus, vagina, and breast | |
| (vii) Increases pituitary secretion of prolactin | |
| (viii) Increases sensitivity of the maternal respiratory center to carbon dioxide | |
| (ix) Stimulates synthesis and turnover of phospholipids | |
| (x) Increases serum binding proteins and fibrinogens to decrease plasma proteins | |
| (xi) Increases the sensitivity of the uterus to progesterone in late pregnancy | |
| (xii) Helps to control behavior including fatique, forgetfulness, poor concentration, as well as mild mood changes including irritability and depressed mood | |
| (xiii) Regulates salt and water retention | |
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| Estrogen in fetal circulation: | |
| (i) Helps to maintain chemical levels in the bloodstream to achieve intrauterine homeostasis, which is the state of stability within the body | |
| (ii) Promotes maturation of fetal organs | |
| (iii) Regulates the fetal neuroendocrine system that controls reaction to stress, digestion, immune function, mood and emotion, sexuality, energy storage, and/or expenditure | |
| (iv) Regulates timing of parturition | |
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