QuestionI recently found out that I am Pregnant this week. I went to the doctor and they did a Blood and urine test to confirm which both were positive. The questions I have are related to some of the things that the doctor said:
1. my progesterone levels were lower then they would like (6.5) rather then 10 which they said if it goes to 5 it could be a miscarriage. I am having cramping and spotting but light on both. Should we be concerned?
2. I went in yesterday for an ultrasound and they said that I am at 5 weeks and 1 day however based on my last period which was August 20th I would be at 6 weeks and 4 days. My period was a little late then usual and should have been on the first of august. My husband and I know that we had intercourse in the first week in September so we are asking ourselves if the reason for the shorter time period given to us by the doctor from the test is the reason for us being 5 weeks and 1 day. do we run the risk of our baby having stopped growing at 5 weeks and we are really 6 weeks and 4 days or could I have ovulated in the first week of September giving that my period was a little off?
AnswerDear Hilary,
Progesterone plays a very important role in pregnancy. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries that helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy. It is first produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries and later is maintained by the placenta. Some of its important functions are:
-Helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.
-Prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation.
-Keeps the lining of the uterus thick which is necessary for a successful pregnancy.
-Produces a rise in temperature after ovulation, which remains until menstruation occurs.
-Creates a nutrient rich environment for the baby by increasing glycogen and arterial blood to the lining of the uterus.
-Keeps the uterus from having contractions.
-Causes the cervix to thicken and create a mucous plug which prevents bacteria from entering the uterus.
Most doctors like to see an absolute minimum level of 10 ng/ml during the first weeks of pregnancy (and sometimes higher). If a woman has low progesterone levels this can be an indication that the pregnancy is at risk and some doctors will prescribe progesterone to boost those levels in an attempt to sustain the pregnancy.
Regardless of whether a period is "on time" or later than expected, if the period on 8/20 was a normal period for you, it is considered your LMP date. If you have a history of regular 28 day periods, we would anticipate that you would have ovulated approximately two weeks after that date (about 9/3). This would still coincide with your memory of sexual activity. Regardless, even when determined by ultrasound - pregnancy dating (gestational weeks) is based on the date of LMP, not the conception date. According to the LMP date, you would be more than 6 weeks as of yesterday.
Now - potentially, the option does exist that you may have ovulated about a week late during that cycle since you had a long cycle the one before and you actually conceived around 9/10. This would put you at the 5.5 week mark when calculating the pregnancy using a 35 day cycle. Otherwise, based on the low progesterone and the 5 week measurement, plus the current cramping/spotting, unfortunately there is a definite possibility that the pregnancy failed right around that 5 week stage.
I hope this has helped to answer your questions. I wish you well and will have a good thought for you.
Brenda
