Questions in the Maternal and Child Health Forum have been answered by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: progesterone therapy during preganancy

Forum: The Maternal and Child Health Forum
Topic: Pregnancy - Abnormal

Posted by Patc on April 22, 1999 at 10:04:28

I have had three healthy pregnancies but my last one ended in a miscarriage. The lose of the last one upset me a great deal. This is the month that my baby would have been born and to my joy I have found out I am pregnant again. My period was due on Sunday, a home pregancy test confirmed I was pregnant, and by Wednesday I was in with my doctor. She told me to be positive and she put me on a progesterone suppository for the next 4 months. I thought progesterone was only used with women that have had more than one miscarriage. Is my doctor just being very careful with me becuase my lose the last time caused me so much distress? Or is this a common treatment after a miscarriage?

Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on April 22, 1999 at 12:59:59

Dear Patc:
Progesterone therapy is widely used because it is very safe, has a large amount of testimonial, and does not have side-effects. The effectiveness of the therapy is unproven. The only clear indication is in women who have been proven to have a low progesterone level.

Physicians wish to help and patients often wish something done so that a past bad experience does not repeat itself. If the treatment is without harm and there is possible benefit, even if the indication is soft, therapy is offered.

Keywords: progesterone, early pregnancy

This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your physician.

 

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