Pregnancy + progesterone

[ThirdChildMom]

Hi - I am 37 year and just found that I am 6 weeks pregnant. I have a history of 2 miscarriage and 2 successful kids. considering my history - my doctor advised me to start progesterone.

Since last two days - I am having little spotting. First day I was able to see it on my under pant but it faded. Now its just showing light brown color when ever I wipe.

I was wondering if  it would have been  a miscarriage if I am not taking progesterone? Progesterone helping to keep my pregnancy by increased chances of down syndrome? Is there any relation between age +  progesterone + Down syndrome?

Just a worried mom - please advise.

[ThirdChildMom]

Thanks for all the posts. It definitely makes me feel better. I am still having discharge of muddy color. Not sure what it is. Using a liner and it shows just little bit on it.

P.S - I calculated my age and came to know that I am 36 not 37. lol

[Helen72]

Downs is a genetic abnormality and genetic code is already fixed before you start taking progesterone.  I took progesterone with both of my pregnancies and had no side-effects.
Congrats on your pregnancy!

[saraanon]

Oh, and just to second what Adgal said..the progestone won't stop a miscarriage.  I was on it last time I was pregnant and miscarried anyways.  

[saraanon]

I was on progesterone too. I took it until week 10. Are you taking oral supplements or vaginal?  I have heard that some women spot due to the progesterone.  I don't know for sure, but I've seen other women write about it on another forum.And brown spotting could just be old blood too.  I know that happens a lot.

As far as downs...it does go up with age.  I'm 45 and got pregnant naturally and unexpectedly...a pleasant surprise blessing.  I was told, by my age alone, I had a 1:11 risk of Trisomy 13, 18 (worse than downs) and 1:17 for downs.  I had the MaterniT21 test at 13 weeks which tests for these chromosome abnomalities and my test came back showing baby has typical chromosomes...no problems.  At 37, your risk will be soooo much lower than mine was.  I don't think I'd worry too much about it, but you can always test to find out and put your mind at ease.  Congratulations and good luck to your and your little one.

[ThirdChildMom]

Thanks. No doubt my doctor is very nice and positive. But this spotting scared me - I was not sure its ok to have spotting at this moment.

[ThirdChildMom]

Thanks - I can't tell you how much better i feel after reading the post. I am an educated person but still when it it comes to your own kids - you behave like a lay man. I just wanted assurance and wanted to stop any negative thoughts.

[ThirdChildMom]

Thanks for replying me back and comfort me. I am not sure why I have spotting at this moment. I have my first doctor appointment next week. Hope everything turns out to be good. I just wish to have a healthy child.

[PennyS78]

I had to do it too.  I am positive if I wouldn't have done it I would have lost this one too. Sounds like you have a dr that is paying attention. You only have to take them the first trimester. Congratulations and good luck.

[adgal]

Hi there!  No honey, if you are destined to miscarry, progesterone won't slow the process.  As Michele said, progesterone only helps if your body doesn't produce enough on its own (and there is even some debate there as to whether or not it helps).  However, if you are miscarrying due to a chromosomnal issue, progesterone will not prevent that.

I have never heard of progesterone being linked to downs syndrome.  Interesting - I'll have to read up on that.  Chances of DS are increased with age, but it is still relatively rare. Sadly, most DS fetus' do miscarry.  If you are really concerned about ds, ask your Dr. about testing that can be done to rule it out.  I had a naturally conceived, healthy and typical baby boy just one week before I turned 41.  I was on progesterone supplements that pregnancy.  Best of luck to you!

[michelle81781]

Progesterone is usally given during pg when the mothers body has a risk of not making enough on its own, there are studies done for age+progesterone and side effects, one of witch is downs but from what i have read downs is not at a high risk. This site seems to have some usefull information http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/progesterone/down+syndrome         , i hope it helps to ease your mind some. Congradulations