It is suggested that pregnancy is a state of conflict which diminishes as the pregnancy proceeds. This model of the emotional state is related to physiological findings during pregnancy. The patterning of the 17 hydroxycorticosteroids is discussed with reference to the emotional state. The relationship of the blood levels of steroids to histamine is examined and the balance of steroids and histamine in the blood is offered as the basis for several conditions in pregnancy and labor, namely, spontaneous abortion, eclampsia, and hydatidiform mole. The histamine-steroid balance is also related to length and termination of labor and possibly affects intra-uterine conditions and the foetus.
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