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Prenatal & Postpartum Nutrient Deficiency Test Panel

$199.00 ~~$299.00~~ 33% off

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

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$100 off

Pregnancy and postpartum recovery journeys are unique to every woman. This prenatal and postpartum nutrient deficiency panel evaluates 8 nutrients and 1 protein that women may wish to assess while pregnant or postpartum — vitamin A, vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vitamin D, calcium, iodine, iron, zinc, and ferritin. These insights can help you and your healthcare provider identify any deficiencies and discuss next steps for your care. Read more

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In the United States, millions of women plan pregnancies, become pregnant, and give birth each year. Each woman’s pregnancy and postpartum journey is deeply personal and unique to her own body and health history. Pregnancy and the postpartum period place significant nutritional demands on a woman’s body, and those demands don’t necessarily start at conception or stop at delivery. For women who are breastfeeding, nutrient needs remain critical, with deficiencies potentially affecting both mother and infant. For women planning their pregnancy, having a baseline before conception can also matter — particularly for nutrients like folate, where deficiency in the weeks prior to pregnancy poses the greatest risk.

This panel tests 8 nutrients and 1 protein — vitamin A, vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vitamin D, calcium, iodine, iron, zinc, and ferritin – that are commonly assessed during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding. Nutritional deficiencies can significantly impact a woman’s energy, mood, recovery, breastmilk supply, and overall health throughout her pregnancy and postpartum recovery. However, they don’t always cause any clinical concern, obvious symptoms, or illness.

Measuring these commonly deficient vitamins, nutrients, and proteins can help provide a woman and her healthcare provider a clearer picture of where levels stand to help determine next steps in care. These labs can support a discussion on supplementation and postpartum care. And, if necessary, can help monitor to see progress over time.

No doctor’s visit needed. Buy this pregnancy and postpartum nutrient depletion test online and visit a nearby Quest location.

Sample type: Blood
Test type: In Person
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Preparation: Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is recommended. Certain supplements and medications can interfere with your test results. If you are concerned about any of your supplements or medications impacting your results, talk to your healthcare provider before your sample is collected to see if you should stop taking them and for how long. If you are pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider prior to planning to fast.

This test may be right for you if:

You are pregnant or postpartum and are concerned about not getting certain nutrients
You are breastfeeding and want to ensure your nutrient levels are supporting both your recovery and your baby’s development
You are experiencing symptoms that suggest a nutrient deficiency
You are planning a pregnancy and want to assess your baseline nutrient status
You’ve experienced prior pregnancy complications and are looking to proactively monitor key markers
You follow a restricted diet (eg, vegetarian/vegan diets have higher risk for B12, iron, zinc, and iodine deficiencies)
You have prior nutrient labs that were borderline for any of the tested markers

This panel tests 8 nutrients and 1 protein that are among the most commonly depleted during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding. Supplementation of any of the below should not be initiated or continued during pregnancy without healthcare provider guidance, and excessive intake is harmful in pregnancy.

Vitamin A (retinol) is a fat-soluble vitamin needed for healthy eyesight, cell growth, reproduction, metabolism, and a strong immune system. Getting enough retinol is important for your heart, lungs, bones, and skin. Too little retinol may increase your risk for developing infections, weakened bones, vision problems, anemia, tiredness or dry skin and hair. Too much retinol may cause significant birth defects during pregnancy.

Vitamin B9 (folate) is a water-soluble vitamin that helps your body make red and white blood cells; grow tissues; build DNA; and turn food into energy. This test reflects recent dietary intake and is affected by recent meals. This vitamin is important during pregnancy to help prevent congenital disabilities (conditions present at birth) of the brain (eg, anencephaly) and spine (eg, spina bifida). Folate helps with the healthy development of fetal tissues and cells. Folate deficiency is very rare in the US today. People who are deficient in folate may not have any symptoms or may have symptoms of anemia, an irregular heartbeat, weakness, tiredness, or nerve damage. Early detection is important to prevent irreversible damage over time, especially to the nervous system.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that helps your body make red blood cells, create DNA, and keep your nervous system healthy. People who are deficient in cobalamin may not have any symptoms or may have symptoms of anemia, depression, weakness, tiredness, memory loss, or nerve damage. Early detection is important to prevent irreversible damage over time, especially to the nervous system.

This test measures the amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, an indicator for the level of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for the proper functioning of your heart and blood vessel health, insulin regulation, and mood. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for strong bones and healthy cells. It can also help the immune system fight infections and is known to be involved in muscle function and protein production.

Your body produces vitamin D after exposure to sunlight or from consuming certain foods and supplements. It then stores an inactive form of vitamin D in fat cells until it's needed. Your liver and kidneys change the inactive form of vitamin D into the active form (25-hydroxyvitamin D) your body needs. If you don’t eat enough vitamin D-rich foods, or if your body doesn’t make enough of it, you may have low levels.

Low levels of vitamin D can lead to bone pain, muscle weakness, or depression. Abnormal levels of vitamin D can indicate bone disease, nutrition disorders, or other metabolic complications. Vitamin D is naturally found in foods such as meat, seafood (trout and salmon), cod liver oil, or fortified dairy and plant-based milk products. It can also be found in supplement form.

Calcium is a major mineral the body uses and stores in large amounts. Many people know the importance of calcium for strong bones, but it also helps keep muscles, nerves, and blood vessels working properly. Calcium is necessary for blood clotting, muscular movement, heart function, and bone strength as we age. If we don't consume enough of it, our bodies will take it from where we need it the most: our bones. This leads to bone loss and, eventually, osteoporosis (a condition that causes bones to gradually thin and weaken).

For your body to absorb enough calcium, you must also have sufficient levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and helps to enhance calcium reserves over time. If you don't get eat enough calcium-rich foods, or your body doesn’t store or absorb enough of it, your levels may be low. Abnormal calcium levels in the blood may be a sign of bone disease, kidney disorders, thyroid disease, or other conditions.

Ferritin is a protein in the blood that contains iron and helps you understand how much iron your body is storing. Blood levels of ferritin correlate to the body's iron status. Abnormal (too high or too low) levels of iron may lead to weakness and fatigue. Left unchecked, abnormal iron levels may lead to certain health issues (e.g., anemia, hemochromatosis).

Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential for making thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). These hormones drive many bodily functions, such as regulating metabolism, growth, and development, and turning food into energy. The thyroid can't produce the proper level of hormones without enough iodine. While deficiencies are rare in the United States, those deficient in iodine may develop an enlarged thyroid (goiter), reduced immunity, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, coldness, or a slowed heart rate.

Iron is an essential micronutrient that the body needs to make healthy red blood cells. It is also a key component of proteins, such as: hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen), myoglobin (the protein in muscle that binds to oxygen), and enzymes. Iron is needed for proper growth and development. When abnormal iron levels are left untreated, they may lead to serious blood disorders or other health conditions.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral, needed in small amounts, to help activate over 300 enzymes in your body. Zinc helps to build and protect DNA, grow cells, heal wounds, build proteins, and strengthen your immune system. It can help reduce oxidative stress (when free radicals outnumber antioxidants), inflammation, and the risk of infection. Zinc is especially important during times when the body is changing quickly, such as during childhood or pregnancy. Too little zinc may cause weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It may also cause skin changes, vision problems, slow wound healing, irritability, hair loss, and frequent infections.

Purchaser: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com.

Patient: This test can be performed on female patients between 18 and 100 years old.

Sample collection: This test requires sample collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile® where available, a convenient location for in-home sample collection*. Collection is not available in AZ, HI, or PR.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, testing may not be available in all locations.

Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is recommended. Certain supplements and medications can interfere with your test results. If you are concerned about any of your supplements or medications impacting your results, talk to your healthcare provider before your sample is collected to see if you should stop taking them and for how long. If you are pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider prior to planning to fast.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes up to 8 business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If you have or create a MyQuest® account, you may be able to review your new results there with your other Quest results. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare provider. Independent healthcare providers are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

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Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

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After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

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Please note: Quest Mobile is currently only available for individuals ages 18+.

FAQs

How does this test differ from standard prenatal bloodwork?

Standard prenatal panels focus on a core set of markers, and additional nutrients like iodine, zinc, and ferritin in particular, are not always included unless a woman is experiencing specific symptoms or raises concerns with her healthcare provider.

Will everyone who is pregnant or postpartum be nutrient deficient?

No. Absorption rates of nutrients vary from person to person. It's important to get tested so you know which nutrients you're not getting enough of. Then, you can talk with your healthcare provider about what supplements, if any, to take.

Can I take this test while breastfeeding?

Yes. This test addresses common nutrient concerns throughout your pregnancy journey from planning to postpartum and is generally appropriate for women throughout all these stages. If you have any concerns, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss whether there is any reason you should not take this test.

I've experienced pregnancy loss in the past; can this test help me prepare for my next pregnancy?

If you've experienced pregnancy loss or complications, you're not alone - and wanting to be more informed about your health and nutrient status going into your next pregnancy is understandable. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron, folate, and vitamin D, have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This panel can help you and your healthcare provider identify any deficiencies before or during pregnancy, so you can take steps to support your health. Supplementation to correct deficiencies has not been proven to prevent recurrent pregnancy loss in clinical trials and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Would taking supplements be helpful if I am nutrient deficient?

If your body is not absorbing certain nutrients properly, your doctor may suggest you consider taking a supplement for that nutrient. While it is unlikely to get too much of a nutrient if you are taking a supplement, getting too much, known as toxicity, is possible. It's recommended to confirm a deficiency through testing and talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking supplements.

What should I eat to prevent postpartum depletion?

Generally, women should focus on nutrient-dense foods, including healthy fats (avocado, fish), leafy greens, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Your healthcare provider can offer more personalized guidance based on your results, and you have the ability to discuss your results of this lab test with an independent healthcare provider if you have any particular questions or concerns.

How does a maternal nutrient deficiency affect breast milk?

Breast milk composition is influenced by a mother’s nutrient status. Deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals – including vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, and vitamin A – can reduce their concentration in breast milk, directly affecting the infant’s intake during a critical period of development. This is one reason that monitoring nutrient levels during breastfeeding matters for both mother and baby.

When is the best time to take this test?

This panel is relevant at multiple stages – before pregnancy to establish a baseline and identify risks for nutrients that are most important before and during early pregnancy; during pregnancy to identify and address deficiencies; and postpartum or while breastfeeding to support recovery and milk quality. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate timing for your situation.

What’s the difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins?

Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins differ in how they are absorbed by the human body. A water-soluble vitamin dissolves in water and is easily absorbed by the body. Your body does not store these vitamins for long, so any extra will be eliminated in your urine. Because of this, it's important to consume them every day. A fat-soluble vitamin dissolves in fats and oils and is absorbed with the fats you eat. Your body stores any extra in your liver or fatty tissues. Because of this, you don't need to consume them every day. While it is uncommon to consume enough fat-soluble vitamins to experience toxicity or other issues because of accumulation, this can happen with excessive supplementation. This is one reason that monitoring nutrient levels is recommended before and during supplementation.

What are enzymes and coenzymes?

An enzyme is a protein that helps to start, or speed up, a reaction in the body. A coenzyme is a non-protein molecule that helps an enzyme to perform that reaction.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Are tests purchased from questhealth.com covered by my health insurance?

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are intended for individuals paying directly—we do not bill insurance, and purchases cannot be submitted for insurance reimbursement.

If your doctor ordered a lab test for you and you are looking to book an appointment for sample collection, you can schedule an appointment here https://appointment.questdiagnostics.com/as-home.

For other questions related to a lab test your doctor ordered for you, including billing and results, you can visit the main Quest Diagnostics site here https://www.questdiagnostics.com.

Our references

Gernand AD, Schulze KJ, Stewart CP, West KP Jr, Christian P. Micronutrient deficiencies in pregnancy worldwide: health effects and prevention. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2016 May;12(5):274-89. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2016.37. Epub 2016 Apr 1. PMID: 27032981; PMCID: PMC4927329. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4927329/
Cleveland Clinic. Prenatal Vitamins. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/9754-pregnancy-prenatal-vitamins
Centers for Disease Control. Vitamin & Mineral Nutrition for Healthy Growth and Development. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/micronutrient-malnutrition/about-micronutrients/pdfs/MicronutrientFactsheet-April2020-508.pdf
World Health Organization. Vitamin A supplementation in postpartum women. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/vitamina-postpartum
World Health Organization. Iron supplementation with or without folic acid to reduce the risk of postpartum anaemia. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/iron-postpartum
Centers for Disease Control. Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/hcp/diet-micronutrients/maternal-diet.html
Carretero-Krug A, Montero-Bravo A, Morais-Moreno C, Puga AM, Samaniego-Vaesken ML, Partearroyo T, Varela-Moreiras G. Nutritional Status of Breastfeeding Mothers and Impact of Diet and Dietary Supplementation: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2024 Jan 19;16(2):301. doi: 10.3390/nu16020301. PMID: 38276540; PMCID: PMC10818638. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10818638/
Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. SESSION 2, The physiological basis of breastfeeding. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK148970/

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Prenatal & Postpartum Nutrient Deficiency Test Panel