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Mechanical stimulation of the uterus by means of bougies can promote uterine contractility at any time after mid-pregnancy. This principle is commonly used for mid-term abortion as well as for inducing full-term delivery in Japan (Manabe, 1969). Foetuses are normally delivered alive and the placentae are free from any notable histological damage during treatment. In an attempt to assess the possible endocrine control of the onset of labour by this method, the author reported that levels of urinary metabolites of oestrogen and progesterone did not change significantly before and during abortion (Manabe, 1968). The present study was designed to see whether placental progesterone synthesis was maintained at normal levels during bougie-induced abortion in mid-pregnancy. Progesterone levels in peripheral blood were serially estimated during the course of treatment.

Five normal women ranging from the 16th to 27th week of pregnancy were used in this study. One or two sterilized rubber bougies