Understanding High hCG & Low Progesterone: Pregnancy Concerns

Question
My niece is pregnant after taking clomid. She called me regarding some of her lab results. On September 19th 2006 her HCG was 600 and her progesterone level was 12.5. Today September 21 her hcg is 4000 and her progesterone is 0.15. what does this mean and should we be worried? she had a baby july 2005 who was born with multiple birth defects he passed away on november 23 of 2005. thank you

Answer
Hi Ramona ..

Your neice needs to speak to a doctor immediately about her progesterone levels. This is far to low. In the early stages of pregnancy, she should be a mininum of 10. Now, assuming that her inital test that tested 12.5 was taken in early pregnancy, then that is above normal, which is great.

But her progesterone has lowered significantly, and this needs to be rectified, immediately, given her history.

Progesterone, is the hormone that keeps her pregnant. It keeps the uterine lining rich, and thick. It helps, with implantation of the baby as well.

She is at risk, for miscarriage, and if she doesnt do something rather soon, Im afraid its very possible she could lose this baby.

This can be easily rectified, if she reacts promptly. She just has to take progesterone supplements.

Perhaps her doctor is just waiting to see if her levels rise on their own. But is basically has gone down, to quite a low level, and so fast, and I find that complete reason to be alarmed.

Have her speak to physcian promptly. She is at high risk, for a miscarriage.

Here is a link, with more information.

Thanks for writing, and Good luck.

http://www.justmommies.com/articles/progesterone-pregnancy.shtml


-Kristy