Normal HCG levels but low progesterone

[NormalHCGLowPro]

Hi,
I am around 5 weeks pregnant and my doctor just told me that my HCG hormone is in normal range but progesterone level is low (only 6.4). I had my first round of blood tests on 8/13 and the second on 8/17. My HCG levels more than doubled from 8/13 to 8/17 but my progesterone actually went down from 7.8 on 8/13 to 6.4 on 8/17. My docotr says he feels this pregnancy is still viable because they focus more on the HCG levels and it is all a waiting game right now. This is my first pregnancy so progesterone supplements will not be prescribed. He has also suggested I go on bed rest for the next 2 weeks or longer. Any one else have this same thing happen and still have a healthy full term pregnancy?

[AnnieBrooke]

I don't understand why it being your first pregnancy would contra-indicate giving you progesterone.  It won't hurt anything.  I would ask for the progesterone (it won't save a failing embryo, but will help a pregnancy whose only problem is that the mother's progesterone levels are low).  If the doctor won't prescribe it, I would get a second opinion, and wouldn't wait too long to do so.  What were your hCG levels?  

[NormalHCGLowPro]

They never told me what my HCG levels are. All he said was that they more than doubled. My doctor also said he still considers this a viable pregnancy because the HCG levels more than doubled and that is what they pay most attention to in the early stages.

I asked about Progesterone supplements and he said since this pregnancy was not done via invitro and I do not have a history of miscarriages that no doctor would prescribe them. He also went on to say that if I do lose this baby he will prescribe them next time but most docotrs wait for 2 miscarriages before they prescribe them.

[AnnieBrooke]

I am surprised he said this.  I know lots of women who have been put on a progesterone suppository when their levels went down, just because they did go down.  

I wonder if he thought you were talking about progesterone shots.  Those are associated with IVF, but suppositories are not only done with IVF.  Frankly, I would talk to another doctor.

[Tanker Chic]

Yeah, I am at a loss as to why he would not prescribe progesterone but want you do go on bed rest.  

My progesterone was low during my first pg and I was put on progesterone suppositories and my son is now 1.5 years old.