Low Progesterone

[Gabbster1]

This past summer I was spotting at 6 weeks and when I went in for an ultra sound the baby's heart was beating and everything looked ok except it was a little smaller than it should have been.  The Dr. told me to have pelvic rest for two weeks and come back for another ultrasound.  The spotting stopped and I was getting very happy.  I was 38 and had two children previously without any problem whatsoever-no spotting-nothing.  I waited 5 years to go for the third baby and it seems everything was different.  I was having to take all these tests and it seemed so much more complicated.  Anyway, miscarriage never crossed my mind.  With the bleeding stopped, I thought I was out of the woods.  At the next ultrasound, the baby had made two weeks growth, which I was watching for, but then there was no heartbeat.  I was devastated.  I know it is common for women, but I just couldn't believe it.  Meanwhile the clock is ticking on my age.  I had D&C and waited two months.  I immediately got pregnant again and symptoms were present and it seemed even better than the last time.  But at 7 weeks, I started spotting.  My heart just sank.  I went to the doctors this last Monday, and baby was there with good heartbeat and all.  I was more concerned this time, suggesting there must be something with my hormones. You know you can feel what is happening to your body.  You have a certain intuition. It is like everything starts out fine and then at about 6-7 weeks my body stops doing something.  I asked about progesterone, not completely aware about its relevance, and the Dr. drew blood.  My progesterone was 8.3.  The Dr. said that it was normal, but everything I read suggests differently.  She put me on 100 mg supplements 2 times a day.  I kid you not, I stopped bleeding two hours later and haven't bled since.  My uterus is beginning to feel fuller and then it came to me that maybe my last pregnancy failed because of the same thing.  I asked Dr. but they said the levels were normal, they also said these levels were normal.  I went in to days later to do a repeat hcg test.  On Monday it was 5,700, and on Wednesday is only went up to 6,300.  When I called for the results the lab said it didn't look good.  My heart just sank.  I thought maybe it just isn't meant to be for me.  I felt that the concerns about progesterone are correct.  Levels are low because the body is going to miscarry and so it drops.  The Dr. wanted a repeat hcg yesterday, Friday, and a sonogram for Monday.  I left work early to do it because I wanted the results the same day-no way I was going to suffer through this weekend wondering what was the verdict.  I did not go with any hopes.  I was expecting it to rise only 100 more than Wedneday, or worse drop.  When I called later in the afternoon, it had gone from 6,300-9,800!!!!  It had risen!! Now I am thinking the progesterone is kicking in.  I had only been on it 4 days.  Maybe Wednesday it just had no effect.  I am now more optimistic.  Could this be a progesterone problem?  I will do a repeat hcg and progesterone test on Monday and a sonogram.  I will let you know how things go.  I pray this is the problem and that my hcgs really rise.  I also pray that the baby is ok.  I hope that during this period of lack of prog. there aren't defects or problems with my baby.
I would LOVE to know if others have been in this situation.  I hear so many contrary things.  I just need hope.  I want this baby more than anything.  I want it healthy and thriving.

[Gabbster1]

Thank you, and I will keep posting the progress.  I am glad things are going well for you.  That gives me hope. :)

[adgal]

I conceived for the first time just before my 38th birthday.  I miscarried that little angel and have gone on to lose 4 more after that, all first trimester like yourself.  My OB had me on everything...progesterone supplements, baby asprin, iron, etc.  Still I lost them.  With all but 1 I spotted right from the beggining.  This pregnancy, same protocol.  Progesterone, baby asprin, fish oil, etc. etc.  I spotted and even outright bled all through first trimester.  I am 25 weeks today and he is perfectly fine.  My numbers rose much like yours did....large jumps, then smaller ones.  After 4000 my OB didn't take blood anymore as she said the numbers didn't mean much anymore..we went to ultrasound at that point.

I really believe (and have read and heard evidence to support this) that the vast majority of first trimester miscarriages are due to a chromosonal abnormality.  Something just doesn't go right from the moment of conception.  Yes, as "older" moms our Dr.s put us on the extra supplements, etc. but typically the main cause is something is wrong with the fetus.  Our bodies recognize this and abort it.  A high percentage of women who have more then 1 or 2 children will experience at least one miscarriage.  When we are older, our eggs are too, and we are more likely to experience a miscarriage, again due to chromosonal abnormalities.  If your numbers are rising and you are not experiencing bleeding and cramping, there is a good chance all is fine. It has a strong heartbeat and chances of miscarriage after a heartbeat drop dramatically.  I know it's scary, I truly do.  I was petrified...I constantly thought I was losing this little guy as well.  But here I am, and he is just fine so far. Please let us know how things go, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.