17 Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate

K. if you had 2 healthy babies-I wouldn't subject myself to anything added. I was considered high risk on my 2nd pregnancy and we induced at 36 weeks- no problem. I guess I believe in the natural method- if the baby is ready and GOD is ready- then you deliver when your body tells you to

This year, I was on these shots at the beginning of my 16th week up to my 36th week. I did read the pros and cons of these shots and the pros do outweigh the cons. I'm not too crazy about chemicals in my body either, but I was at risk for preterm birth because my 1st baby was born at 30 weeks and had to be in the NICU for two months.

I also had a cerclage put in as well and towards the end of September, was placed on bedrest for about a month. My cerclage was taken out at the beginning of my 36th week (a week ago), no more shots and bedrest (yeah!) and am currently 37 weeks 2 days. 37 weeks to term is the best time to have the baby so the goal is to keep it "cooking" inside as long as possible - it's better for the baby.

Do more research online - I'm on the fence w/your situation since your baby's weight seems to be good, but I'm not a doctor.

My insurance company wanted me to do this as I delivered twins at 35 weeks, after beginning preterm labor and being hospitalized at 29 weeks. In my case, I just wasn't comfortable with it as it wasn't actually approved for this use yet. I delivered a healthy full-term baby at 37 1/2 weeks last August. History doesn't have to repeat itself--and in your case (ptl at 32 weeks) you aren't at a huge risk like you would be with repeat premature babies or very premature ones. However, if your doctor is strongly recommending it (mine didn't) and you trust him/her, it may be right for you.

Good luck with your decision and your pregnancy!
J.

Before my last pregnancy I had some hormonal testing done and I was deficient in progesterone. I also have a history of high risk pregnancies. As soon as I got pregnant with my last baby my doctor put me on progesterone shots twice weekly. He did monitor my progesterone levels every two weeks. My own progesterone level finally went up around week 28 and it stayed up and I was able to stop the shots. I will say that I almost made it to term with this baby - 38 weeks. My blood pressure was stable during this pregnancy too. During my previous pregnancy I had several bleeds that led to a placental abruption at 33 weeks. I did have another placental abruption this time, but it wasn't until the very end at delivery. I felt a lot better during that last pregnancy and I attribute it to the progesterone shots. If I were you, I would take them.

Good luck and Congratulations on your newest little one!

I am on natural progesterone shots and have been throughout the entire pregnancy. My doctor told me they were the least harmful because they were natural. I have had no problem with them other then a little pain in the fanny. I deliver a still born child at 31 weeks and another child at 14 weeks so ot me the shots are totally worth it! I wish I could tell you more about the type you are taking. Mine are just progesterone mixed with sesame oil given in the fanny muscle. I doctor with Pope Paul Institute in Omaha. Dr. Hilgers is world wide for his work in fertility and has assured me that the progesterone is safe. He has the national hormonal lab and does lots of work in hormonal studies. I will say some prayers all goes well.

I have not taken the shots, but after delivering my first child at 26 weeks 5 days gestation (2 lbs 3 oz) with no explanataion other than preterm labor, my doctor and I plan to use these shots for me the next time that I get pregnant. My OB said that we would start the shots weekly from week 17-37. I have done some research on them & gotten some responses from others who have used them. To me it would be worth it to avoid another 92 day NICU stay like my daughter went through and the countless pokes & procedures that she had to go thruogh. I would do anything humanly possible to prevent putting another child through something like that. That is how I feel in MY situation. You have a history of preterm labor but made past 36 weeks with both previous pregnancies. I don't know how difficult it was for you to sustain your pregnancies (you didn't mention needing to be put on meds to stop the contractions, hospitalization, etc, other than bedrest), so I would definitely talk it over in more depth with your doctor. Best wishes!