Progesterone Supplements and Early Pregnancy

[mommy22babes]

I am currently taking Prometrium twice a day to supplement a drop in progesterone early in my pregnancy.  I am already at 13 weeks, have heard a heartbeat and seen the baby in utero doing well.  My doc said that it is safe to discontinue the use of the Prometrium at this time.  Just wondering what others' experiences were with progesterone supplementation.  I am so nervous to stop supplementing!

[mommy22babes]

Thank you for all of the reassuring words!  I can't tell you how much it has helped.  I put a call into my doc, to see if they'd at least run a blood test to check my levels.  We'll see what she says when I hear back.  I'm feeling less worried already, after hearing some success stories!

[30something13]

I am 7weeks 6 days. I think you should be fine but I fully understand your worries:) I actually switched doctors and the new doctor told me that low preogesterone will not cause you to have preterm labor, only a mc. But the other docotr told me that they wanted to keep my uterus "quiet" is why they wanted to give me shots after the pill. I would say you will be fine. It is good you are tapering off them! I will too no matter what the doctor says:) I know the first sign of crmaping or contractions I have I will pop one in my mouth first then call the docotor! I will have plenty left over. Will you? You will be stopping them a couple weeks after the placenta strts wroking on its own so I say you will be fine and let me know what your doctor says about a plan, or if you need one. I would love to compare notes what the docs say and if it is different or not. I need to ask if my new doc plans on shots or not too. I just assumed but i guess I shouldn't.

[rebekah385]

i have almost the same pregnancy history as you I had to pregnancies (although one was premature) then a miscarriage at 12 weeks, and got pregnant again and my doctor put my on prometrium, but he kept me on till about 12 or 13 weeks  to get past were I was when I miscarried. i don't know when it is safe to come off, but if your worried talk with your Dr about your concerns. I know it was easier for me coming off after the first trimester. that baby was born perfectly healthy with no comlications. Good luck and don't stress.

[JoyRenee]

You are supposed to stop taking them by week 10-12. So it is safe to discontinue. The placenta has taken over the production of progesterone.

I stopped taking progesterone in week 10-11. I've got my newborn baby girl on my lap right this very moment. Good luck and congrats!

[mommy22babes]

Thanks for writing.  No, I have no history of preterm labor.  Have two healthy kids, full term, no problems with progesterone deficiency or anything.  Then, I had a miscarriage in May, and this is what sparked my concerns.  My doc was very proactive.  She is not worried about preterm labor with me, but of course, I can't help but worry something is going to happen once I stop completely.  Right now, I am tapering off them, probably will get me to almost 14 weeks.  Ugh, this is so frustrating.  How far along are you??

[30something13]

I understand your delima!! I had bleeding during all prior pregnancies and preterm labor that ended in premature births. I found out that I am low also before I got pregnant I started the prometrium. The placenta does not start working on its own till 12-13 weeks. During that time your progesterone helps ot finction and grow. Once it is working on its own they say there is no need for the pills. However they will put me on shots becasue of preterm labor starting at 14 weeks and I will go off the pills at 12 weeks. I will have two weeks with nothing! Scarey to me. Do you have a history of preterm labor? I know lots of woman that do great once coming off the pills or suppositories. I would just be totally up front with your doctor and make him/her tell you why and what they will do to insure your peace of mind and if something happens what the game plan will be. Maybe they can do blood tests, watch for cramping or bleeding which is a sign that you may need it. Let me know what happens.