We have been blessed with 1 child, and the first trimester of that was very stressful due to continual off and on bleeding without my doctor showing any care or concern. In my 2nd trimester, I did happen to change dr's because I was very unhappy with my first dr. During my last pregnancy, my doctor (who is awesome) discovered that my body wasn't producing progesterone (which could have explained the problems during my first pregnancy) so I was put on suppositories and eventually hormone injections due to my levels continuing to drop. The injections increased my numbers right away, but unfortunately this pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage (we found out at what would have been week 12 that I had miscarried and that my baby passed around 7 weeks, which was the week that my progesterone level was the lowest. The natural miscarriage didn't happen until what would have been during almost my 13th week). I am very organized, and in my doctors review of my period and ovulation tracking over the last 3 years, the doctor noticed 3 possible miscarriages that I might have had due to 60 + days taking place between periods when I am on average VERY regular with my periods. My husband and I were not trying for (or preventing from) children, so at the time a lag between periods did not concern me. The doctor is pretty confident that progesterone injections would be needed for my body since my body isn't producing it when I am pregnant. I'm wondering how many moms out there had success with progesterone injections? I know I will be put on them again if I am blessed with another pregnancy, but I don't know anyone who has been through this before. Did it work for you??
First of all, bleeding in the first trimester is very common. Doctors never really become concerned. If you were not producing progesterone the first time you would not have remained pregnant. Unfortunately, did not work for my DIL. Works for some and not others.
As part of our IVF, I took progesterone shots up through the first trimester (this was almost 15 years ago).
Our son is perfectly healthy!
I'm currently giving myself progesterone injections because my 2 previous pregnancies were preterm, both at 33 weeks. When I asked how the progesterone worked they didn't really have an answer other than it does usually work. I haven't had any side effects and I've given myself 16 injections now. Currently I am at 32 weeks so hopefully everything works out!
Hi - so sorry for your loss and I hope that you have a happy, healthy pregnancy the next time around. I have two friends who had secondary infertility who were able to carry successfully with progesterone shots. Both friends tried a few rounds of IUI that didn't work and then got pregnant the old-fashioned way but started progesterone immediately. Both of them also had acupuncture and both swear that that helped them as well.
As you know, the shots are no fun at all but they are very safe and can really make a difference. Every IVF pregnancy requires PIO shots so I had to do them when I was a surrogate. I was very glad when I hit the 10 week mark and could put the needles away!
Best wishes to you!
Don't have specific info on progesterone for pregnancy but wanted to mention that you might want to ask your doctor whether it is a good idea to test for an MTHFR genetic mutation (a certain form of it is associated with miscarriage).
Good luck - hope you get lots of good info and ultimately another precious baby! <3
I've read a number of studies where progesterone supplementation helped women who were experiencing recurrent miscarriage and had low progesterone. For some reason, the medical community is divided on this treatment. I would go to a doctor who is open to using progesterone, but I believe there can also be side effects. See if you can use bioidentical progesterone rather than the synthetic. I had low progesterone, when I went through fertility treatments and was supplemented, but miscarried anyway. I then got pregnant on my own when I was in my 40's and had a normal pregnancy with no medications or supplements whatsoever. I think every pregnancy is different.
I had progesterone injections with IVF . I have twins so I know it works ! Also, the nurse at the office had to have progesterone injections and she did not have IVF . She has two healthy children now. Make sure you are rubbing the site after the injection . I didnt know that with the first round which was unsuccessful . Its important to do that to get it moving . Good luck :0)
I had 2 miscarriages both around 8 weeks when I was first trying to get pregnant. The doctor decided to try this route and it worked! From my understanding it helps thicken the lining of your uterus so the egg can catch on. I used an insert up until I was through my first trimester and then was able to stop. After that allw a sgood. Definitely worth a shot!
