Help! I might be pregnant?!
#1
Posted 28 May 2010 - 07:17 AM
I'm hoping someone out there can help me with this. I did my first IVF cycle in March (boo - BFN). So we've been waiting for the ok to start our next IVF in July. Considering all the complications we have (endo, barely functioning tube, low ovarian reserve, low motility, etc.), we figured IVF was our only hope. So now its been 41 days since my last period. I figured its probably just the fertility drugs in my system thats screwing w/ my cycle. But I did a HPT today and there are two lines (one dark, one really faint). Does this mean I'm pregnant?? I don't think I feel pregnant.... but could the test be wrong?
I'd like to get a blood test to confirm it but I'm not sure - do I call my fertility clinic? Considering I'm in between IVF cycles, would they still be willing to monitor my pregnancy (if I am indeed pregnant)? I mean, I think it would still be considered a high risk pregnancy. I'm at a loss of what to do. I have some leftover progestrone so I figured it wouldn't hurt to use them while waiting for a blood test to confirm everything.
Sorry if this note is a little frazzled........
Rx: stage 4 endometriosis, low motility, low ovarian reserve, blocked tubes
m/c May '05
Several Clomid & Femera cycles
Laparoscopy to remove ovarian cyst & endo - Sept '08
Laparoscopy to remove endo & one tube - Dec '09
IVF #1 - Mar'10
Suprefact, Gonal-F, Luveris & Prometrium
March 28 - ER (6 eggs, 4 fertilized w/ ICSI)
April 1 - ET (3 embryos transferred)
April 12 - BFN
Next IVF scheduled for Jul'10
Waiting for the drugs to wear off....
This is odd...40 days since last AF.
Decided to POAS - BFP?!
43d since AF - HPT again BFP (huh...)
43d since AF - beta 4,768
45d since AF - beta 13,016
47d since AF - u/s - sac detected but no heartbeat yet
62d since AF - u/s - there's a heartbeat! 155bpm baby measures 1.7cm
July 12th 11w4d u/s (NT scan)- heartbeat 146bpm, baby measuring 10.1cm
August 31st 18w5d u/s - heartbeat 141bpm
EDD: January 27th, 2011
*fingers crossed*
#2
Posted 28 May 2010 - 07:28 AM
I too got a positive HPT while waiting for AF to show before the start of our TTC#2 cycle. I immediately called the clinic and they did a beta test for me and then an u/s at 8 weeks as I was still a patient there. Now I'm 39 weeks pregnant!
I am praying for your miracle!!!!
Good luck!
Dx - Male Factor: Morphology <2% at best.
IVF # 1 - October 2007
ER: 2 eggs, only 1 fertilized... BFP!!!
Eve Isabella Arrived on her Due Date: July 8, 2008
TTC#2 - 2009
Sept 10 - Signed IVF consent forms.
Sept 16 - Got the call. Start BCP at end of Sept.
Sept 28 - Natural BFP. Beta 360. In total SHOCK!
Oct 20 - U/S: One perfect heartbeat.
Nov 23 - U/S: Baby very active at 12wks
Jan 04 - U/S: It's a Baby Boy!!
Aaron Thomas arrived May 31, 2010.
Our family is complete!
#3
Posted 28 May 2010 - 07:58 AM
hugs
IVF.CA Team
Me 34 DH 50 TTC 5 Years, 2 Ectopic, one tube removed one blocked.. many miscarriages and grief later 1 Laparotomy, 1 Laprascopy
IVF#1
Dec 9, 2008 start BCP Dec 20,2008 Start Suprefact Jan 2, 2009 start Puregon....wooohooo good-bye Suprefact headaches
23 Follicles, 20 growing I am starting to feel like I will burst!!! ER: Jan 14Thank god thats over with!!!!!! 11 Eggs retrieved - 9 Fertilized
ET - Jan 17 930 am - transferred 2 8cell grade 3.5 embryos,,, 2 to Freeze :-)) Beta Jan 28- 113 Beta Jan 30- 339 Beta Feb 2- 1570 DUE DATE Oct 8, 2009 u/s feb 9 One baby!
2nd u/s Feb 20 143 HB! All is well, no more trips to OFC! ITS A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shelby-Anne Darcy was born on Sept 17, 2009 at 1920hrs weighing 7lbs5oz!!!! My beautiful little miracle!!
IVF #2 - Consult Mar 17, 2010!! March 29 - Baseline ultrasound - 26 Follicles Woohoo STarted BCP April 28 Suprefact May 8 225iu Puregon May 21 ER: June 2 11 Eggs retrieved!! Only 6 fertilized ET: June 5 2 embies 8 cell grade 4 and 8 cell grade 3 POAS-a-thon begins June 14 - Beta:June 18 BFP - thought it was miscarriage - nope, thought it was ectopic--no..dont think so, something in the uterus......the suspense.....MISCARRIAGE :-(
IVF#3 Nov 21 start Suprefact, Dec 3 Puregon ----- stay tuned - transferred 2 perfect eggs on Day 3
We are pregnant!! WOohoo Beta 3025 JAN - One perfect bean measuring a week ahead and a beautiful heartbeat!
Mitchell Robert Alphonse Cormier was born August 02, 2011 at 2014 hrs weighing 6 pounds, 6 ounces~
#4 Guest_ceska_holkacz_*
Posted 28 May 2010 - 08:09 AM
I would call your clinic ASAP....I personally wouldn't use the progesterone unless advised by your clinic. We use it in IVF because our natural pregnancy hormones are all out of whack because of a treatment...a natural pg would be different. Just my 2cents.
Karolyn
#5
Posted 28 May 2010 - 09:05 AM
For sure I would call your clinic, they would do a beta for sure I would think!
DH and I: 36-37
Married 2 years, together 8, trying the whole time!
DX: Tubal scarring from car accident @ 15yrs. One 100% blocked, 1 80% blocked. And due to age, low ovarian reserve.
DH's spermies are still swimmin away, no problems yay.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
First Cycle
Chemical pregnancy.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Second Cycle
Sucess! 2 Girls!! Avery & Sydney born June 12/11 at 30w1d.
See in the 'About Me' section on my profile for more details on protocols and timing.
#6
Posted 28 May 2010 - 10:09 AM
5 Years Unexplained
IUI x 2 with clomid feb, march 2009 BFN
-----------------------
IVF # 1 Jun/July 2009, BFN
-----------------------
IVF#2 November/December 2009 BFN
______________
FET # 1 Feb/March BFP
Lily Annabelle born on September 26th at 11:48 am at 29 weeks gestation. Welcome to the world my little angel.
David Lucca born on September 26th at 12:47 pm at 29 weeks gestation. Welcome to the world my little angel.
#7
Posted 28 May 2010 - 10:31 AM
I think I read the same story on this board 3-4 times just in the last year! All those stimulation drug don't clear up immediately, and give you a little boost on egg production for a month or two.
I agree with pp, I wouldn't take progesterone unless advised by a doctor. during IVF they put your natural hormone production out of wack, so you need it, because you body may not produce enough due to al this intervention. With the natural BFp , it is not needed.
TTC #1: natural TTC 1.5 yrs
Dh: 35, Severe Male factor infertility, morphology is 1-2%
Me: 32 , tubes open, no endo, regular ovulation, all hormones are good, 3rd day FSH 5.3 , antral follicle count is 12, only problem is my weight BMI: 30
IVF/ ICSI #1: 2008 February -McGill, Montreal
Long protocol: BCP for 1 month, burselin from CD21, 300 Gonal F and 150 Luveris for 10 days
ER: 11 egg , 6 mature , 5 fertilized, 3rd day transfer:a 7 cell & an 8 cell embyos, no frosties.
1st beta : 13dp3dt: 77, BFP
2008,November 19th: Adam has arrived 7 lb 4 oz, 21"
TTC #2: natural TTC 1.5 yr
Dh :39 morphology went up to 4%, we meet the IUI cutoff! count are fluctuating from 30 to 105 million, motility is great. Caryotyping is normal
Me: 36 FSH is slightly elevated and keep rising 8.5, 8.8, 8.9, 9.8 , AFC is still 12, everything else looks good.
IUI #1: Edmonton, 2011 January ,Clomid 50mg (x5), 106 mil ,68% motile, grade 4 :BFN
IUI #2: Edmonton, 2011 February, Clomid 50mg (x5), 30 mil, 57% motile, grade 3: BFN
IUI #3: Edmonton, 2011 March, Clomid 50mg (x5), 88 mil , 49% motile, grade 4: BFN
IVF#2: 2011 May, Edmonton: long protocol , nasal suprefact : CANCELLED due to high progresteron & cyst
IVF#3: 2011 August, Edmonton: short protocol/natural start: CANCELLED due to high progesterone
IVF#4: 2001 September, Edmonton: short protocol with BCP: CANCELLED due to high progresteron & cyst
Change clinic
IVF #5: 2012 March-April Hungary: stimulation starts march 28, 300 Menopur
mixed protocol: BCP for months, CD3: Menopur 300& lupron for 8 days
ER : April 8th , 4 eggs retrieved, all were mature and fertilized with ICSI and AH
ET : April 11th, 1 A quality 8 cell, and 1 A quality 4 cell embryo transferred, no frosties.
BFP on the HPT at 7dp3dt: happy 37th birthday to me
Beta: , 12dp3dt: 150, 2nd Beta, 15dp3dt: 550
Anna has arrived on 21st December after being induced at 39 week. She is 6 lb 9 oz, 20" , and has blue eyes, and long dark brown hair and just perfect !
#8
Posted 28 May 2010 - 12:15 PM
Can't wait to hear more about it!
Dana
TTC 8 years
1st IVF May/June 2006- Chem pg
2 FETs-BFN
PCOS, Damaged Tubes
Tubes removed May 2007
2nd. IVF Oct/ Nov 2007- BFN
3rd. IVF Feb/ March 2008- BFN
3rd. FET July/ Aug 2008- BFP Beta 6dp5dt 9, 8dp5dt 45, 11dp5dt 131, 15dp5dt 971, 21dp5dt 3060
4th. FET July 29th, 2010.
BETA 5.5dp5dt 14.6, 7.5dp5dt 53.6,10.5dp5dt 149.4,17.5dp5dt 1902, 19.5dp5dt 3282
Ultrasound showed one little bean!!
Vanessa arrived April 28, 2009!!!
<a href="http://lilypie.com/"><img src="http://lb3f.lilypie....hp/mhxbh8w.jpg" width="60" height="80" border="0" alt="Lilypie - Personal picture" /><img src="http://lb3f.lilypie....com/mhxbm7.png" width="400" height="80" border="0" alt="Lilypie Third Birthday tickers" /></a>
Jaydan arrived April 9, 2011
<a href="http://lilypie.com/"><img src="http://lb1f.lilypie....hp/RmHSFJO.jpg" width="100" height="80" border="0" alt="Lilypie - Personal picture" /><img src="http://lb1f.lilypie....com/RmHSm7.png" width="400" height="80" border="0" alt="Lilypie First Birthday tickers" /></a>
#9
Posted 28 May 2010 - 02:29 PM
Thanks for your encouraging notes. I finally got a call back from my clinic and they said b/c it was an unassisted pregnancy (ie. not IVF or IUI) that they won't do the beta test for me and I have to contact my family doctor. This seems strange to me because I would think that they're there to help me with my fertility journey and not just IVF. So now I have to get an appointment with my doctor (which probably won't be until next week since they haven't called me back yet - grrr). I'm concerned about just going to my doctor for this because last time I was pregnant (and it ended in m/c) they did the initial test and told me to come back in 3 months. Not very supportive. Because we've been trying so long I'd feel more comfortable with a doctor who'd monitor my pregnancy closely. I thought that was the point of an RE?! I'm more than a little frustrated by this process. If it turns out I am pregnant and I end up getting a miscarriage b/c my hormone levels are low, etc. then I will be really upset b/c we all know how difficult it is to get pregnant in the first place.
Btw thanks for the tips re: progesterone. After my m/c I did a series of tests and was told that I have low progesterone, which could have been the cause for the m/c. That's the only reason I'm considering using it until my pregnancy is confirmed w/ a beta. I'm really nervous about this whole thing - I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing and I feel a little lost right now
Rx: stage 4 endometriosis, low motility, low ovarian reserve, blocked tubes
m/c May '05
Several Clomid & Femera cycles
Laparoscopy to remove ovarian cyst & endo - Sept '08
Laparoscopy to remove endo & one tube - Dec '09
IVF #1 - Mar'10
Suprefact, Gonal-F, Luveris & Prometrium
March 28 - ER (6 eggs, 4 fertilized w/ ICSI)
April 1 - ET (3 embryos transferred)
April 12 - BFN
Next IVF scheduled for Jul'10
Waiting for the drugs to wear off....
This is odd...40 days since last AF.
Decided to POAS - BFP?!
43d since AF - HPT again BFP (huh...)
43d since AF - beta 4,768
45d since AF - beta 13,016
47d since AF - u/s - sac detected but no heartbeat yet
62d since AF - u/s - there's a heartbeat! 155bpm baby measures 1.7cm
July 12th 11w4d u/s (NT scan)- heartbeat 146bpm, baby measuring 10.1cm
August 31st 18w5d u/s - heartbeat 141bpm
EDD: January 27th, 2011
*fingers crossed*
#10
Posted 28 May 2010 - 02:38 PM
Can you go to a walk-in clinic and get a requisition for a beta there?!! If it were me, I don't think I could wait until next week!
Good luck!!!
TTC: since Jan, 2008 (age 34)
DH: Low morphology, low count. Me: Stage 2-3 endometriosis, non-functional fallopian tubes, small fibroids, low AFC,
Jun 2008-Sep 2011 in a nutshell: One HSG, one very traumatic office hysteroscopy, one operative laparoscopy, three fresh IVF/ICSI cycles, one chemical, one early miscarriage, two tubal recanalizations, five IUIs (3 with Clomid).
May 2010 - Aug 2011 Attempted adoption application process through the BC MCFD. Aug 2011 Signed up with a private agency. On both waiting lists as of Apr 2012. Proposal through MCFD Jul 2012. Aug 2012 - Finally ... she's home and we're a family! : )
Adoption application #2 started Aug 2013. DD2 placed May 2014, finalized Feb 2015!
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Thomas Edison
#11
Posted 28 May 2010 - 02:54 PM
Good luck! As we know from these boards it DOES happen!
Ana
#12
Posted 28 May 2010 - 03:00 PM
I agree with impatient. You should go to a walk-in clinic if you don't want to wait for an appt with your doc. You'd now be considered almost 6 weeks pregnant, and they if they don't give you a req for a beta, they could schedule a dating ultrasound.
My clinic doesn't do betas for IUIs, so all I had to go on was the positive pee stick until my dating ultra-sound at 7 weeks pg which confrimed the hb and growth-to-date. I booked that through a walk-in since I didn't have a family doc at the time!!
Also, if you want a more supportive type of care during your pregnancy, consider getting a midwife. The personal level of care is unmatched by most doctors. They only take a limited number of clients and are on-call 24/7.
Dx: MF due to ASAs
TTC #1
IUI#1 BFN
IUI#2 BFN
IUI#3 Third attempt at IUI using 100mg Clomid May 29, 2008
Spent the two week wait on a business trip in Houston. Had margaritas by the pool and a beer at the ballgame. CONVINCED AF was coming... but....
June 15, 2008 - BFP!!!!
ALICE ISLA BORN FEB 21, 2009!!!
8lbs 9oz
TTC#2
May 2010- I guess we're now unofficially trying au naturel until I get to the doc to send our re-refferal in to Foothills. Planning to start IUIs again in the fall.
Back the truck up!! Surprise natural BFP June 8, 2010!!! Spotting a bit.
Cautious but hopeful.
June 10, 2010: Spotting stopped, more hopeful now
July 6: First midwife appointment!
July 30: Nuchal Scan!! All is measuring well. HB = 160 bpm! Finally feeling like I can be excited about this pregnancy.
Sept 22: Ultrasound shows healthy baby, all is normal and growing well. Feeeling right guilty that I forgot to get photos!!
GEORGE RUSSELL BORN FEB 21, 2011!!!
9 lbs 3 oz
#13 Guest_ceska_holkacz_*
Posted 28 May 2010 - 03:20 PM
Just be careful with the progesterone...I can understand your fear based on low hormones but please do not use it unless it has been prescribed by your doctor for this pregnancy.
Congrats again.
Hugs,
Karolyn
#14
Posted 28 May 2010 - 03:40 PM
3rd cycle was the charm (despite everything going wrong)!
History and details in my profile
Twin boys Milan and Duncan born at 32w4d on 15 November 2010
#15
Posted 28 May 2010 - 03:46 PM
Congrats
TTC Since September 2007 - Diagnosis "Unexplained Infertility"
Me 28 - DH 30
Sept 2007-2008 - Trying au natural - When it was fun
Sept 2008 Refered to 1st clinic, what a waste of time
Dec 2008 - Told by old clinic both my tubes were blocked, going for a lap...
Feb 2009 - Lap. done, both tubes clear and open, were never blocked
March 2009 - Clinic gave us the wrong patients results - switched clinics
April 2009 - Started at ISIS
May 2009 - 1st B2B IUI - DH counts amazing, 72 and 42 million 90% mobility - BFN!!! devastated beyond words
June 2009 - IUI #2 - 3 Good follicles - June 16th (113 million sperm, 99% motility WOOHOO) and 17th!! Beta Day July 1st - 14DPIUI...AF arrived...wondering how much more we can take
July 2009 - IUI #3 - Changed to timed BD...CD10 (July 10th) Only one good follicle, 2.2 I think, chose timed BD instead of IUI#3, due to only one follicle - we are going to try "au natural " this cycle - BFN again...
August 2009 - Taking time off and enjoying each other, 1st adoption meeting Sept 16th, and I also have a free round of Gonal-F waiting for us at the clinic when we decide to go back - Became a Moderator here at IVF.CA!! Thrilled to be about to give back to a wonderful site and great group
September 2009 - Explored the adoption process with Halton CAS Sept. 16 then decided to take time off from TTC and save for more fertility treatments in the future...
October 2009 - Decided to submit our application for adoption (Oct 27th) and started acupuncture, will not give up we will have a family one day
November 2009 - Finally met Karolyn, she stayed with DH and I for 3 days, she is like a sister to me, and had a few wonderful meet up's with other amazing women from the site...words can not describe what an amazing weekend that was
December 2009 - Re-doing a bunch of tests - hopefully a few IUI's in the new year with a different protocol - Maybe PRIDE training in March
January 2010 - Results from SONO and HSG, all looks great, Right tube questionable, not a huge concern as per Dr. Saving for IVF as that is our next option...might be a few years, hopefully not. Hopefully our miracle will come before -Wondering why is this so hard??
Jan 2010 Cont'd - Accepted to PRIDE training starting in March, SAFE home study to follow...We can finally dream again...
March 2010 - Started PRIDE March 22nd - 9 classes, 3 hrs every Monday night - Enjoying the class, looking forward to the future, getting all our documents ready for our SAFE homestudy package
May 1st 2010 - BFP on a HPT!!! Holy crap how did that happen...May 2nd Beta 182...May 4th Beta 300...1st U/S May 14th - 1st U/S shows healthy miracle bean - H/B and all - 127 beats per minute, what a wonderful moment between DH and I
Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will...
Visit our website - http://www.ourjourne...ly.blogspot.com
#16
Posted 28 May 2010 - 04:33 PM
congrats
sam
ttc:8y
3 natural m/c dec 99, mar 01,oct 07
clomid x1 -ohss
lap x 1 apr/05-endomet left tube blocked,half of left ovary resected
1st ivf cycle nov/05 developed mild ohss again DEC 2ND/05 BFP u/s small sac slow heart beat small fetus misscariage at 9 weeks 1 day
fet may 06 -cancelled due to very rare -sub acute viral thyroiditis
fet oct 20-bfp ,beta 700 on nov 1 ,1700 on nov 3,3900 on nov 5 u/s 2 small sacs ,slow heart beat small fetuses m/c nov 23/06 ,day of our 9th wedding annivrsay
1 blast still frozen
IVF#2 july 07 7 BLASTS FROZEN 2 normal 2 have trisomies 3 not tested less than 6 cell on day 3 fet oct 25/07,transferred 2 instead of one ...oops
1st beta nov 2 bfp (again) 23,2nd beta 83 ,3rd beta 371 u/s nov 21 hb 118 bpm
beautiful baby boy Nayal born via planned c-section on july 3rd 2008 @ 12:35 pm
#17
Posted 28 May 2010 - 04:39 PM
Jen
TTC since Aug 2005
Male Factor - Embolization Surgery Jan 2007 - didn't work
IVF #1 - Start Synarel Aug 22/07
Sept 17/07 - ER!!!!!!!! 16 eggs retrieved - all ICSI
Sept 18/07 - 15 eggs injected - 7 embrios (grow embies grow!)
Sept 20/07 - ET - 10am - 2 beautliful 8-cell Grade 1 embrios!
Oct 05/07 - 15dp3dt BFP!! - Beta 1100
Oct 13/07 - 2nd Beta 15717!!!
Oct 19/07 - 1st U/S (6w4d) - 1 healthy baby - 120pbm!
Nov 26/07 - 1st Prenatal visit - Heartbeat 154bpm
Jan 30/08 - Ultrasound! (21w2d)
DUE DATE - June 10, 2008
June 23/08 - Griffin Patrick is here! 8lbs 5oz - 22 inches long
June 9/09-Here we go again! FET#1
July 17/09 - CYCLE CANCELLED - not responding to meds[/color]
Aug 15/09 - FET#1 - round 2!
Sept 1 - ET - welcome home frosties!
Sept 15 - 14dp5dt BFP!! - Beta 957 - wooohooo!
Oct 9 - 7w6d - u/s # 2 - no growth....this one is over
IVF/ICSI #2 (Flare protocol)
Nov 16/09 - CD3 b/w & u/s - start Superfact injections
Nov 18/09 - CD5 - start stims - E2 116 - 200iu Puregon
Nov 20/09 - CD7 - E2 2209 - 125iu Puregon
Nov 23/09 - CD10 - E2 14094 - no stims, Superfact only
Nov 24/09 - CD11 - E2 15963 - no stims, no Superfact
Nov 25/09 - CD12 - E2 11780 - hcg trigger 9pm
Nov 27/09 - ER - 11 eggs retrieved - all ICSI
Nov 28/09 - 6 eggs fertilized - grow embies, grow!
Nov 30/09 - ET - Grade2, 10-cell & Grade3, 8-cell
Dec 14/09 - 14dp3dt BFP!! Beta 550 (cautiously optimistic)
Dec 21/09 - 21dp3dt - Beta 8031 - YAY!
Jan 08/10 - 8 weeks - u/s - one healthy bean h/b 167bpm
DUE DATE - Aug 20, 2010
Sept 1/10 - Declan James is here! 7lbs 15 3/4oz - 20 inches long
Are there any more in our future??? 1 frostie remains
#18
Posted 28 May 2010 - 05:27 PM
If I was you, I would take the progesterone rather than risk a miscarriage due to low progesterone, taking it will NOT hurt your baby, but you can call an OB or a nursing hotline, at least down here in the USA all the doctors tell you its perfectly safe to take it, and a lot of women who've had a history of miscarriage, or infertility issues, often take it through-out the first trimester just because it makes them feel better.
As far as I know, it cannot harm the baby taking it in the first trimester, but if you need it, it helps!
progesterone is natural and there's no risk of "too much" from my understanding the way its been explained to me from both 2 fertility doctors and my first OB while pregnant.
If you run out before a doctor can see you, you can buy progesterone in an over the counter cream form as well.
p.s. Canada's protocols may be different than down here in the USA - but down here, if you want progesterone while pregnant, most OB's will prescribe it for you if you feel you "might" need it. - most infertility doctors down here, will require that you take it during the first trimester as clinic protocol because it just plain "doesn't hurt" and its "better to be safe than sorry"... and that's even if you conceive naturally in-between cycles.
I was on it for just over a week, while bleeding (they gave it to me because I had bleeding), and then went off it after 10 days because it was making me neurotic and having nightmares and panic attacks to the point where I thought I was going insane. LOL the doctor did a blood test and said I was okay to stop taking it.
Edit: I just wanted to say that if you have a history of low progesterone, I would absolutely TAKE it until the doctor can verify that it isn't needed, in your situation of having miscarriages and low progesterone in the past, you are at a much higher risk of miscarriage if you don't take it, then the risks of if you do.
every resource I googled not only said that its completely 100% safe to take, but if your at risk, make *sure* you take it!
here's some resources on progesterone and pregnancy :
Should I Take Progesterone Supplements?
Progesterone production by the ovaries is critical until about the 9th to 10th week of pregnancy. It prepares the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for implantation of the pre-embryo. Soon, the placenta will produce enough progesterone to maintain the pregnancy. Although progesterone is critical to your pregnancy, measuring the levels of this hormone in your body can be difficult. Progesterone is produced in varying amounts throughout the day; therefore, what is measured in the blood may not be an accurate reflection of the amount of progesterone produced by the ovaries. A test that indicates low progesterone levels does not necessarily mean that your overall production of progesterone is low.
However, progesterone levels below 7 ng/ml are associated with miscarriage. These levels are rarely found in women who do not have a history of at least three miscarriages. If you have a history of miscarriages and a low progesterone level, extra progesterone-either as a vaginal suppository, intramuscular injection, or pill-is a reasonable option. There is some controversy about which other women might benefit from supplemental progesterone.
If you are taking progesterone supplements, the best time to do so is about two days after ovulation-when progesterone begins to rise and the lining of the uterus is changing. This is also when the endometrium must be ready for the implantation of the embryo. Few doctors believe that progesterone supplements later in the pregnancy can rescue a failing pregnancy. When a pregnancy is failing, progesterone values may fall. This merely reflects a failing embryo, not problems with progesterone production. If a pregnancy is destined to miscarry because, for instance, the chromosomes are not normal, once the embryo has died, the stimulation of progesterone production by the embryo will also fail. The decline in the progesterone levels, then, is a result of the death of the embryo, not the cause.
Question
I am between 4 and 5 weeks pregnant. The ultrasound showed a heartbeat. My doctor is concerned, however, because between my two blood tests, my progesterone levels did not increase and I have had some minor spotting (which has since stopped). He has perscribed a vaginal course of Prochieve 8% and I would like to know:
- the risks in not taking this are
- why would he perscribe this if I have a viable fetus
- at this phase what is the expected benefit that the increased progesterone will yield?
Thanks!
Julia
Answer
Dear Julia;
Congratulations on your pregnancy. I know how stressful it can be when your doctor raises the possibility that there may be some problem with your pregnancy.
It is not uncommon for progesterone levels in early pregnancy to rise slowly. You do not mention how much time elapsed between your first and second progesterone levels, but if it had been a week or two, then it may not be suggestive of a problem. In general, the levels of progesterone in the first trimester rise, but from one test to the next, there may be a plateau.
That being said, your doctor is correct to check progesterone levels and respond to them. More and more research has been showing that progesterone support, especially when provided to women with high-risk pregnancies, prevents preterm (premature) birth. We don't have proof, yet, that early progesterone support prevents early miscarriage, but many peri-natologists and high-risk OB practitioners have long suspected that it does--and have provided progesterone support in one form or another.
I do not use Prochieve, and cannot therefore give you first-hand information about this product in particular. It is a natural progesterone product in a gel-like vehicle that is provided vaginally. For pregnancy support, I use natural progesterone compounded in oil, injected intramuscularly; or is some cases, progesterone vaginal capsules. I use the protocol developed by Dr. Thomas Hilgers. Dr. Hilgers' protocol provides for checking progesterone levels every 2 weeks, and adjusting the level of support based upon these blood levels throughout the pregnancy. It sounds like your doctor has a similar idea; I am supportive of this approach.
The only risk of progesterone is associated with the manner of its delivery. That is, injected progesterone could be associated with infection, bleeding or pain at the injection site; vaginal progesterone could be associated with irritation of the vaginal membranes by the vehicle in which the progesterone is dissolved. There is no risk from the progesterone itself--it is the same hormone that your body (or your baby's placenta) is producing itself in order to support the pregnancy. It is perfectly safe and has no side effects itself.
The benefit hoped for is the sustaining of the pregnancy and prevention of a miscarriage in the case that your own body is not producing enough progesterone itself. Your child may be perfectly "viable" and in good health--but if there is not sufficient progesterone circulating to sustain your pregnancy, then you are likely to miscarry or deliver prematurely. Providing extra progesterone "supplements" your own supply, and may help sustain your pregnancy.
I hope this is helpful.
Best, John Gisla, MD
#19
Posted 28 May 2010 - 05:58 PM
All the best and high high hopes from downunder,
Edie
ttc 3 years
Unexplained
Nov 2008 IVF#1 BFN
IVF#2 Jan 09 BFN
IVF/ICSI#3 Antagonist protocol March 2009. BFP. Thank you God.
6 weeks non-viable. D&C.
IVF#4 ER Aug 09 BFN
FET # 1 BFN
IVF # 5 BFN
FET # 2 BFP
u/s # 1 a singleton, perfect measurements and heartbeat.
u/s # 2 healthy growth plus second sac sighted. 'vanishing twin syndrome'
u/s # 3 at 9 weeks - all good. Baby waved.
u/s # 4 (love those ultrasounds) 10.5 weeks Baby scratched it's ear and did the twist.
NT scan at 12 weeks two days - all good. No need for further testing. IT'S A BOY!
20 week morphology scan and all is well.
EDD August 21st 2010
Waters broke 19th Aug
Induced on Aug 20
DS born 4.29pm Aug 20, 2010
Our joy Jan 2014, DE cycle Zlin, CZ Feb 7 Beta positive
#20
Posted 29 May 2010 - 12:11 AM
Good luck with getting some tests done. I wonder if it would hurt if you just showed up at the clinic with some tears in your eyes asking for help?
DX: Septate Uterus
1st MC: Oct 2008
2nd MC: May 2009
3rd MC: July 2013
Baby Boy Scott welcomed into this world on July 30, 2010
#21
Posted 30 May 2010 - 08:03 AM
Next milestone - beta on Tues....
fingers crossed........
Rx: stage 4 endometriosis, low motility, low ovarian reserve, blocked tubes
m/c May '05
Several Clomid & Femera cycles
Laparoscopy to remove ovarian cyst & endo - Sept '08
Laparoscopy to remove endo & one tube - Dec '09
IVF #1 - Mar'10
Suprefact, Gonal-F, Luveris & Prometrium
March 28 - ER (6 eggs, 4 fertilized w/ ICSI)
April 1 - ET (3 embryos transferred)
April 12 - BFN
Next IVF scheduled for Jul'10
Waiting for the drugs to wear off....
This is odd...40 days since last AF.
Decided to POAS - BFP?!
43d since AF - HPT again BFP (huh...)
43d since AF - beta 4,768
45d since AF - beta 13,016
47d since AF - u/s - sac detected but no heartbeat yet
62d since AF - u/s - there's a heartbeat! 155bpm baby measures 1.7cm
July 12th 11w4d u/s (NT scan)- heartbeat 146bpm, baby measuring 10.1cm
August 31st 18w5d u/s - heartbeat 141bpm
EDD: January 27th, 2011
*fingers crossed*
#22
Posted 30 May 2010 - 09:05 AM
TTC since 2005
Serophene, Clomed and too many others to mention - big waste of (precious) time
2007 - all tests still say nothing "should" be wrong
2008 - second HSG now shows a partially blocked tube
Feb 2009 - IUI - BFN
March 2009 - IUI - BFN
May 2009 - IUI - BFN
July 2009 - IUI - BFN
Sept 2009 - IUI - BFN
Nov 2009 - IUI - BFN
Feb 2010 - FINALLY IVF protocol but after only one follicle (which I probably could have done on my own without all the drugs!), gets switched to IUI conversion and a BFN
Feb 2010 - RE just now lets me know in the last year my FSH has gone from 5 to 15.6 - a little notice along the way would have been nice!
March 2010 - second RE opinion - confirms DE is the only option.
April 2010 - second clinic and third RE confirms again DE is really the only option. Sometimes I need to be hit really hard before things sink in.
#23
Posted 30 May 2010 - 09:06 AM
Good luck on Tuesday! Keep us posted.
TTC: since Jan, 2008 (age 34)
DH: Low morphology, low count. Me: Stage 2-3 endometriosis, non-functional fallopian tubes, small fibroids, low AFC,
Jun 2008-Sep 2011 in a nutshell: One HSG, one very traumatic office hysteroscopy, one operative laparoscopy, three fresh IVF/ICSI cycles, one chemical, one early miscarriage, two tubal recanalizations, five IUIs (3 with Clomid).
May 2010 - Aug 2011 Attempted adoption application process through the BC MCFD. Aug 2011 Signed up with a private agency. On both waiting lists as of Apr 2012. Proposal through MCFD Jul 2012. Aug 2012 - Finally ... she's home and we're a family! : )
Adoption application #2 started Aug 2013. DD2 placed May 2014, finalized Feb 2015!
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Thomas Edison
#24
Posted 30 May 2010 - 09:58 AM
3rd cycle was the charm (despite everything going wrong)!
History and details in my profile
Twin boys Milan and Duncan born at 32w4d on 15 November 2010
#25
Posted 30 May 2010 - 09:59 AM
the first trimester weeks, all I wanted to do was stuff my face. I literally ate enough for 10 people pretty much my entire first trimester with this pregnancy. (and, I even lost 2 pounds while eating that much! LOL) it takes a lot to make a baby I guess, even though they say your body doesn't need extra calories until the second trimester... mine sure did.
the nausea didn't really kick in until about 6 weeks. then it hasn't gone away yet (though its a little better now finally at 13 weeks)
Good luck, and I am so happy to see that this happened for you! keep your chin up, we are rooting for you.