16 weeks pregnant, still on progesterone cream and level falling

[kellik]

Hi,
     I am in my 16th week of my pregnancy.  I am 37, have had 2 "normal" no-problem pregnancies (in 1987 & 2000)(except for having them c-section) and a miscarriage this year at the end of April/May.  My doctor had me come in as soon as I THOUGHT I was pregnant this time.  He started me on 5mg of progesterone orally right away.  I am tested every week and although my levels fluctuated and he adjusted dosage a couple times to 10 and 15, when I was at 10 weeks, my level went from 18.9 to 17 to 12.5!  He started me on Crinone8, a vaginal cream and my levels rose to 18 after 5 days on the cream and 25.8 a few weeks ago.  Last week, at my prenatal exam, the news was I was down to 24.  WELL, this week, I am back down to 17!  I am seeing my family physician and he has consulted with specialists and no one seems to know what to do with me!  What can cause this?  Would an ultrasound tell me anything (I haven't had one yet.)?  We have a good strong 156 heartbeat and I am feeling the baby "fluttering" when I lay down and still.  The news today has me really worried and scared.  My doc told me that they don't like to keep me on the progesterone past 12 weeks or so because the baby is supposed to be making its own progesterone by now and he doesn't know what the side effects are, but it appears I need the help.  What can I do to help my level?  ANYTHING?  Please help me answer my questions.  I seem to be a problem child.  I don't have any spotting or pain except for occasional gas pains and heartburn.  THANKS!

[GizmoAdams]

All I can say and I know this isn't easy, is take it easy.  You stressing yourself out isn't good for you and certainly not for the baby.  As long as you feel the baby move, and hear a heart beat, it may just mean that you have to have a little extra outside help keeping this one full term.  It doesn't mean that you've done anything wrong.  It just means your body needs a little extra in this case.  I've had 1 normal pregnancy, and 2 m/c's I needed the extra help i was put on progestrone suppositories twice daily, it's gotten me past my 7 week loosing point.  I'm now 12 weeks and have my second prenatle visit on the 22.  I hope everything is fine, but I also know worring about it and stressing about it wont help, it can make things worse.  So as hard as I know it is... try to keep as stressfree and worry free as possible.  
Again, they have ways to help low proges. now, that's something to look forward too... if your levels are low, they can help keep them up enough to carry the baby.  Keep that in mind...
Keep me posted...
Angelicdevil_22***@****
Giz

[GinGib]

Hi!! I am also 16 wks pregnant and I had a progesterone problem in the beginning as well. my prog was 9.5 at 5 wks, went down to 7.2 and then back up to 8.5 and it hasn't been checked again. They said they don't like to keep checking it because there is nothing else they can do and they don't want me worrying about it. I stopped the shots at 12 wks when the natural prog kicks in and they haven't checked it and I haven't had any problems since. Your prog still sounds awfully high compared to mine so I would say try not to worry.

Good Luck!!