Progesterone Therapy at 40

I am 40 years old and just found out that I am pregnant with my 4th child. .. . . .unexpectantly.  My children are 7,5, 3
I had two miscarriages prior to carrying my first child to term (at  the age of 34).  With all of my pregnancies that I carried to term, I went on progesterone immediately following the knowledge that I was pregnant.

My question for you?  What are my risks of miscarrying without progesterone?  I am concerned of my age and feel like I should just let nature take its course. . . .. . I would welcome a healthy child but wonder if progesterone therapy interferes with the body's natural ability to determine whether a pregnancy should be carried to term?  I am also concerned that if I don't do the therapy that I am risking the health of the baby?  Is there any evidence to support any of this?
Please advise!

[adgal]

First off, congratulations on your pregnancy, and welcome!!  I also take prometrium and have for 2 pregnancies.  Both I miscarried.  I am not telling you this to frighten you, but to tell you that in first trimester miscarriage, it is typically a result of a chromosonal abnormality.  As far as I know progesterone will not save a pregnancy that is meant to fail.  I hope I am saying this correctly.  Progesterone simply helps elevate your levels, and miscarriage caused my low progesterone is not the same thing as miscarriage caused by a chromosonal abnormality.   The fact that your 40 is really not a big issue.  I am 39, and hoping to bring our first child into the world still.  We are actively trying to conceive.  None of the Dr.'s I have seen have had any concern about this whatsoever.  There are so many women in this forum in their late 30's, early 40's who are either pregnant or have delivered healthy babies.  

I would take the progesterone.  If there is something "wrong" with this pregnancy, nature will usually deal with it no matter what kind of intervention we attempt.  Low progesterone is a completely different issue.

I wish you a healthy, happy pregnancy!!

[Glenda306]

You sound a bit like me.  I had 2 healthy kids (now 7.5 and almost 10), then I had m/c, another healthy baby (now 4), a m/c, and am now 17w pg w/#4.  I was nearly 31 when I had my 1st and will be 41 when this baby arrives.  I was on progesterone starting with my 3rd pg which ended in m/c.  Progesterone will not save a "bad" pg, but it can rescue a troubled one.  My 1st m/c was bad from the start--never saw a baby, heartbeat, etc., but in the 2nd m/c the baby looked good and my progesterone was just barely on the low side.  I have several issues, so it's hard to say what really caused that loss.  Best wishes.

[betsy2]

Thanks for the reply.  Just curious- are you taking progesterone now?  I haven't made a Dr. apt. yet to get things rolling. . .. . .as all this is so new (just found out this weekend).  Anyhow, part of me is not wanting to take progesterone as I get really bad side effects from it- tired and grumpy:)  But because I did take it with all three of my pregnancies, I feel a bit like I am tempting fate?  My OBGyn never did think that it was the progesterone that helped me carry to term, but he always supported me in putting me on it.  At the time, I was convinced it was a necessary therapy.  Congrats to you on #4.  Your children are gorgeous!

[Glenda306]

I took progesterone up through 12 weeks.  Get your progesterone level checked and if it's less than 20, you should be on progesterone.  If not, then you're probably okay.  It's good to have a supportive dr--some just won't do anything!

Thanks for the compliment on my kids.  That pic is over 2 years old now, but it was handy when I needed to put something in here.

[40smama]

I'm curious - most ob/gyns don't prescribe progesterone routinely - did they check your levels & then put you on it?  The others are right - progesterone won't save a bad pregnancy so I don't think you have anything to worry about.  I took progesterone the first 12 weeks of my pregnancy (we did IVF) & believe me - I had pregnancies w/out progesterone & one w/it - I was tired and grumpy with all of them!

The hcg has a lot to do w/the tired/grumpiness as well as the progesterone so it could be that you'll have those symptoms w/this one too whether or not you take progesterone - I wish you much luck in your upcoming pregnancy - welcome to the forum!  - jen

P.S.  Amanda - just remember, hon, there are lots of us in our mid-40s who've delivered heatlhy babies  as well as our younger sistas - LOL!! - jen