QuestionHi, I had an IUI and am 9 weeks pregnant, and using Progesterone (Prometrium) vaginally since ovulation. My doctor told me to stop it at 8 or 9 weeks, but I read everywhere that it should be at 12 or even 16 weeks. Is there any harm on using it longer? If not, why not use it until 3rd trimester?
Thanks!
AnswerDear Elle,
There really is conflicting data on the use of progesterone during pregnancy. Many doctors have had really good results in using it to boost the progesterone levels of women whose levels are not high enough to support the pregnancy on their own. But if your levels are ok on their own, there really is no need for it beyond the 8th or 9th week.
Progesterone is first produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary and production from this site is necessary for the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. From implantation of the embryo onwards for 40 weeks the placenta takes over the production of progesterone. After week 8-9, you should be able to gradually taper off use of the supplement. Placental production of progesterone should be more than enough at that point to sustain the pregnancy. The thing that you want to avoid is a sudden drop of the hormone. I would assume that when you begin to taper off, your doctor will want to run progesterone levels to make sure the placenta is picking up the slack, so to speak. As long as it is - all is good. By the end of your pregnancy, the placenta will be making hundreds of times more progesterone than the supplement provides.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
