THE URINARY EXCRETION OF OESTROGENS AND PREGNANEDIOL AT THE END OF PREGNANCY, DURING LABOUR AND DURING THE EARLY PUERPERIUM

Abstract

1. The excretion levels of oestrogen and pregnanediol have been followed in fourteen women during the last 3 weeks of pregnancy, during labour and during the first few days of the puerperium. Particular attention was paid to the period immediately before and after the onset of labour. 2. The amounts excreted during the last 3 weeks of pregnancy were high in all cases, but considerable variations were observed from day to day. During labour the values were usually lower, but there were frequent variations here also. The excretion fell to a low level within a few days following delivery. 3. There was a general tendency for the output of oestriol and total oestrogen to fall during the last 2 days before the onset of labour, and this fall was shown statistically to be highly significant on the day before onset and less significant on the previous day. However, in almost every case similar changes had been observed at earlier stages of pregnancy. In one woman the output was actually rising slightly when labour began. 4. The excretion of pregnanediol during the last 2 days of pregnancy was extremely variable, and no relationship between it and the onset of labour could be demonstrated. 5. The results obtained by other workers are discussed.