Progesterone During Pregnancy

Updated on March 07, 2012
C.M. asks from Ringgold, GA
11 answers

I am 39 years old and pregnant with baby number 4. My 3 previous pregnancies and deliveries were normal. My doctor called this week to say my progesterone levels are low and he wants me to take Prometrium tablets. The research I have done indicates that is helps in getting pregnant and in maintaining pregnancy (not having a miscarriage). My husband just has to look at me and I get pregnant and I've never miscarried. The side effects are worrisome and some sources say it's not safe during pregnancy. On the other hand I don't want to risk loosing the baby. I would appreciate hearing from anyone that has been in a similar situation. Thanks.

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D.C.

answers from Fresno on

I used the suppositories with both of my pregnancys for the first 12 weeks. I had my first when I was 37 years old and 2nd at 39. It was recommended as a precaution because my cycle had a short luteal phase. I think that indicates low progersterone. I carried both of my sons to term and they are healthy.

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V.V.

answers from Columbus on

I had to take them as I had low levels, lost one baby and almost lost my other 2. It exaggerates the morning sickness but I was able to carry to term. It brought up my progesterone levels enough to not have problems. I'm the same way. One look from my hubby and im pregnant, but after spotting and loosing one, I decided to go for it and everything turned out well. I only used it for one pregnancy. I was in bed for the spotting with my son but no one checked my prog. levels, then with my daughter when i started spotting and after my miscarriage they checked my levels and immediately put me on it.

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J.T.

answers from Dallas on

every reproductive endo i have seen, as well as MFMs, when they supplement progesterone, they use vaginal suppositories - it doesn't absorb well into the bloodstream, and the pills are just a step above "useless" in their opinions... if progesterone levels are low, yes, a miscarriage can occur. you typically only take them during the first 12 to 13 weeks of pregnancy and then come off of them. progesterone is normally produced in high quantities during the early stages of pregnancy, so it would typically be in your body anyways. i have had 3 miscarriages and 3 live births - my last one i did use the suppositories after 2 consecutive miscarriages and we had a successful pregnancy that time. my husband is a pharmacist as well, and he was totally fine with me taking the suppositories. good luck, and don't be afraid to ask more questions of your doctor - that is what he is for.

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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I was 40 when pregnant with my daughter with two previous miscarriages, and my progesterone was never even tested. The pregnancy went perfectly. Is this a fairly new thing, to monitor these levels so closely?

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B.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

If your progesterone is low, you risk miscarriage. I have used both the suppositories and the intramuscular shot (I wouldn't recommend that to anyone but a masochist). TMI, but the suppositories are a bit messy as they melt so wear a panty liner. I've never heard of anyone suggesting a pill form.

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L.O.

answers from Detroit on

after 2 miscarriages.. the dr told me to start taking progesterone pills on cycle day 18 or so (cant quite remember the exact day) I went to the dr on cycle day 29 or so and yup.. I was pregnant.. they kept me on progesterone till 11 weeks.. baby was born on time at 7 pounds.. no health issues .. she is 6.

The placenta makes progesterone.. the pills are helping maintatin the pregnancty till the placenta takes over. It is pretty safe.. they have done studies of giving progesterone shots to women late in pregancy to prevent preterm labor and it works.

it made me extremely tired.. I told the dr it was like a sleeping pill. I felt groggy... I could only take it at night. I was 39 at the time.. I would follow the drs orders..

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V.F.

answers from Shreveport on

I took it after a miscarriage. When i became pregnant again, my levels dropped. It helped me keep the pregnancy.

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R.B.

answers from Nashville on

I used the Prometrium capsules as a vaginal suppository twice a day for 14 weeks and carried my daughter (now 7) to full term with no complications. She is perfectly healthy. Previously I had at least 4 unexplained miscarriages in the first trimester. I believe that using the progesterone supplementation is what enabled me to stay pregnant.

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J.H.

answers from Kansas City on

I was actually taking progesterone when I got pregnant with my first and ended up having to stay on it for a bit to maintain my levels. My dd is healthy and thriving (almost 5). No issues! Congrats on baby 4

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S.K.

answers from Dallas on

I used the suppository kind for the first 12 weeks when pregnant with our son. I was 34 and the specialist put me on them. Our second pregnancy (1st time without help) I asked for prog. from my reg. OB Dr. She didn't put me on it and I miscarried. Third pregnancy with IUI procedure again, specialist put me on progesterone for the 1st 12 weeks and we had our twins. I was almost 38. I would highly recommend asking for the suppositories.

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K.P.

answers from Fayetteville on

I've heard the same thing about the pills not being effective. I used the suppositories for my second pregnancy after several miscarriages (luteal phase defect). They are really gross though, and I basically had to use them for the entire first trimester. I did not feel they exaggerated my symptoms, those were actually more mild in comparison to my first pregnancy. I was a little more tired, but I chalked that up to being older, being busy with my first child, etc. Every pregnancy really is different. I was 35. As you get older the risk of miscarriage rises. I don't want to scare you...you are very fortunate to have 3 children and never had a miscarriage. No matter how many children you have, a miscarriage is heartbreaking. I would take this seriously and make sure your doctor is checking your levels regularly to see if the meds are working. (Every few days, even?) Best wishes to you for a healthy pregnancy.

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