Trellis Health Launches First At-Home Postpartum Lab Test
In the United States, one in five new mothers experiences a postpartum mood disorder, with up to 10% developing thyroid dysfunction. Additionally, women with gestational diabetes face a 50% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes within five years, and those with hypertension during pregnancy are seven times more likely to face heart disease, the leading cause of women’s death.
Despite these risks, standard lab testing all but disappears after childbirth. The first 40 days postpartum are crucial for shaping the next 40 years of a woman’s health, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Trellis Health is aiming to change this with the launch of the first at-home postpartum lab test.
The $239 kit tests more than 30 biomarkers, including hormone, thyroid, nutrient, inflammation, and metabolic levels, all from the privacy of home. Results are delivered in three to four days, providing new mothers with valuable insights into their health during the postpartum period.
Estelle Giraud, CEO and co-founder of Trellis Health, was inspired to innovate in the women’s health sector after her experience with IVF pregnancy and postpartum preeclampsia. Trellis Health’s platform serves as an operating system for family health, integrating hospital and provider records and offering asynchronous chat with certified nurse-midwives.
The at-home postpartum lab test uses a Tasso device, a painless stick-on patch that draws blood in 10 minutes from the upper arm. This eliminates the need for a clinic visit, needles, or childcare coordination. The test screens for biomarkers tied to maternal health, empowering women with essential data before their six-week postpartum visit.
Postpartum diagnostics are crucial as conditions like anemia, thyroid disorders, and vitamin deficiencies can mimic or exacerbate postpartum depression, fatigue, and metabolic diseases. Trellis Health’s test aims to address these issues and reshape how postpartum care is delivered.
Despite the clear need for such innovations, raising capital for femtech startups like Trellis Health remains a challenge. Female founders often face questions about risk and responsibility, while male founders are asked about scale and growth. This bias in venture capital funding hinders the progress of women-led startups in the healthcare sector.
Trellis Health has overcome these challenges by telling a confident, data-driven story and seeking out investors who understand the market. Today, 80% of Trellis Health’s cap table is comprised of women investors, including mothers who have experienced the postpartum period themselves.
In conclusion, Trellis Health’s at-home postpartum lab test is a significant step forward in improving postpartum care for women. By providing accessible, clinically relevant testing designed for new mothers, Trellis Health is poised to transform postpartum care at scale and empower women to take control of their health during this critical period.
Empowering Women in Healthcare Innovation
A recent study has revealed a troubling paradox in the world of startup funding. While female investors are more likely to support female founders, startups that receive their initial funding exclusively from women VCs are only half as likely to secure follow-on funding. This discrepancy is often attributed to attribution bias, with subsequent investors assuming that female-led funding decisions were made based on gender rather than merit.
Consumer-Led Healthcare Innovation Takes Root
Trellis Health, a company focused on women’s health, is taking a unique approach to reaching its target audience. By marketing directly to women and offering a lab kit that is eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement, Trellis Health is tapping into a powerful network of peer recommendations and trust. Without a large advertising budget, the company is relying on word of mouth and community networks to drive early traction.
By leveraging trusted information and user experience, Trellis Health is creating momentum beyond traditional marketing methods. The company’s focus on community engagement, pregnancy forums, and postpartum support groups is helping to establish a strong foundation for its innovative healthcare solutions.
Closing The Postpartum Health Gap Through Data And Trust
Despite women controlling 80% of healthcare spending, their postpartum needs are often overlooked. Trellis Health is aiming to change this by redefining postpartum care and addressing the unmet needs of women. The company’s new postpartum lab test is not just a product—it’s a statement that postpartum care is a priority and that women are driving change in the healthcare industry.
With a focus on at-home diagnostics, consumer healthcare platforms, and women’s health innovation, Trellis Health is paving the way for a future where women’s healthcare needs are met and prioritized. By putting women at the forefront of healthcare innovation, Trellis Health is leading the charge towards a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.
