Progesterone shots

[katgirl]

So my doctor started me on weekly progesterone shots this week and I am going to be having them every week till I hit 34 weeks. Now I know that they are to help keep my cervix nice and strong but I guess I'm just wondering how well they work? Is anyone else getting the shots or has gotten the shots?

[ljs318]

I'm on my 2nd pregnancy getting the shots. I also have had a cerclage with the last pregnancy and this one as well... so I can't say for sure which has helped in my case, but with my DD I went to 40 weeks. I am currently 25w5d. They can't hurt since your body produces the progesterone on it's own anyway... so I say it's worth a shot. They aren't too bad, although you might be a little sore after a few weeks. GL!

[Allie1980]

Hey there, I'm going to get the progesterone shots (or suppositories, not sure which one) with this pregnancy. I've heard it really helps keep the contractions away and keep your cervix strong! I wish we could have a progesterone thread where we all talk to each other and keep each other posted!!! :) Good luck, Katgirl!

[DucksLikeRain]

Do you ladies want this thread stickied so that it's easy to come back to and find?

I'll be having progesterone shots the next time around also, so I'll be keeping an eye on you ladies that are doing it now.

[katgirl]

Do you ladies want this thread stickied so that it's easy to come back to and find?

I'll be having progesterone shots the next time around also, so I'll be keeping an eye on you ladies that are doing it now.
That would be great!!!! Thanks Tif :)

[katgirl]

Ok ladies, since we got this thread started I figure we could introduce ourselves and keep up with our progress! :)
So my name is Kathryn, this is my second pregnancy but will be my third child. My first pregnancy was with g/b twins. I was put on bed rest around 25 weeks when my cervix started thinning. Then at 28 weeks I was admitted to the hospital for bed rest because my cervix was completely thinned and I was about 2cm dilated. Then on February 15, 2008 my doctor came to check me and I was 4cm dilated and my daughters umbilical cord was falling down into my cervix so they decided to do an emergency c-section and my babies came into the world! Cam was 2lbs 1oz, 13inches and Kay was 2lbs 9oz, 14 1/3 inches. They stayed in the hospital for about 2 months and then came home to mama and daddy!!!
So now here I am pregnant again and praying that the only reason the twins came so early was that my body just couldn't handle 2 babies! But since they were only a combined weight of about 4lbs my doctor is a little worried that the same thing could happen again. So I was started on weekly progesterone shots at 20 weeks and will get them till I am 34 weeks along. So far my cervix is looking good and I'm not on bed rest :hooray: But we shall see...... Everything looked good at 20 weeks with the twins as well.......

I can't wait to hear other stories and experiences and see what everyone's progress is!

[tranquility]

Hi,
Iam new to this forum. Wanted some suggestions and advise. I tested 11 DPO in the afternoon and found a faint line on the home HPT test strip. Today is 13 DPO (I could be three weeks 4 days after my last period) and I tested the first morning urine and found the line as faint as 11 DPO.Now I had an miscarriage in Feb 2009 (cause unknown, only an empty sac) So Iam a little scared this time whether my progesterone levels are playing a role. Should I get my blood work done this early to find the progesterone levels? And if low, will taking progesterone shots help me? I mean is it a panic situation? Ladies, please respond..

[Mrs_P]

I think that progesterone shots are given later in pregnancy, but you might need progesterone pills or suppositories. I would call your doctors office and tell them the situation and ask them if they will do the blood work. I did that with this pregnancy because I had to have progesterone with my last one. (This pg was a complete surprise!) I told them my situation and they fit me in early to check.

Good luck!

[DucksLikeRain]

Hi,
Iam new to this forum. Wanted some suggestions and advise. I tested 11 DPO in the afternoon and found a faint line on the home HPT test strip. Today is 13 DPO (I could be three weeks 4 days after my last period) and I tested the first morning urine and found the line as faint as 11 DPO.Now I had an miscarriage in Feb 2009 (cause unknown, only an empty sac) So Iam a little scared this time whether my progesterone levels are playing a role. Should I get my blood work done this early to find the progesterone levels? And if low, will taking progesterone shots help me? I mean is it a panic situation? Ladies, please respond..

Progesterone is used in 2 different ways during pregnancy. In early pregnancy-like you are-it would be used to help sustain the pregnancy until the placenta has taken over and is doing it's job. I believe it's usually taken orally or as a suppository until...13ish weeks? Maybe a little further into the 2nd trimester, but not usually past 16 weeks. It is also used from 14-16 weeks until 34ish weeks as a relaxant of sorts. It's supposed to help prevent preterm labor and birth if taken as a shot-and I've heard more talk about it being effective orally for this also. This is only supposed to be effective if a woman has delivered prior to 32 weeks.

Sounds like you'd be wondering about progesterone in early pregnancy. The only way to know if you're low and needing supplements would be to have a blood test done that measures your progesterone levels. Have you called a doctor yet?

[tranquility]

Hi there!
Thanks for your response. No, I haven't called the doctor yet. Was wondering if its too early to call. Its only three weeks.U think I should call now or wait for a week?

Progesterone is used in 2 different ways during pregnancy. In early pregnancy-like you are-it would be used to help sustain the pregnancy until the placenta has taken over and is doing it's job. I believe it's usually taken orally or as a suppository until...13ish weeks? Maybe a little further into the 2nd trimester, but not usually past 16 weeks. It is also used from 14-16 weeks until 34ish weeks as a relaxant of sorts. It's supposed to help prevent preterm labor and birth if taken as a shot-and I've heard more talk about it being effective orally for this also. This is only supposed to be effective if a woman has delivered prior to 32 weeks.

Sounds like you'd be wondering about progesterone in early pregnancy. The only way to know if you're low and needing supplements would be to have a blood test done that measures your progesterone levels. Have you called a doctor yet?

[tranquility]

Hi Mrs. P,
No I haven't called the dr. But at three weeks if u all suggest I should call the dr, I will.

I think that progesterone shots are given later in pregnancy, but you might need progesterone pills or suppositories. I would call your doctors office and tell them the situation and ask them if they will do the blood work. I did that with this pregnancy because I had to have progesterone with my last one. (This pg was a complete surprise!) I told them my situation and they fit me in early to check.

Good luck!

[DucksLikeRain]

I think that if you're concerned about another early miscarriage it's totally worth it to call and ask for some blood work-an hcg level (quantitative) and a progesterone count. And besides that, it's best to call early because many OB's schedules fill up so fast that you'll be into mid July before you get in to see them anyhow, which is about perfect for being able to see anything on an early ultrasound.

[tranquility]

Hey Thanks duckslike ! U've cleared my mind. I will call her up today. What u say is definately true. Before I got a positive HPT, I had already called up the dr for an appt for further course of treatment. She gave me 14th July appt. The positive HPT was a pleasant surprise.:-)
I think that if you're concerned about another early miscarriage it's totally worth it to call and ask for some blood work-an hcg level (quantitative) and a progesterone count. And besides that, it's best to call early because many OB's schedules fill up so fast that you'll be into mid July before you get in to see them anyhow, which is about perfect for being able to see anything on an early ultrasound.

[Allie1980]

I called at 3 weeks 4 days with this pregnancy, asked for blood work, came in the next day, and a few days later got on progesterone suppositories. So I would call!!! I'm almost nine weeks now.....progesterone can't hurt and may help!

[monali]

Hello Girls!! I am in the same boat as you!! After suffering numerous miscarriages in the second trimester, I finally gave up on having another child and then went away for the WKD with my husband TAA DAA!! I was almost in shock when I found out because it was TOTALLY unplanned!! I searched the web an entire afternoon for all new doctors because could not bring myself to go back to the ones that I experienced so much pain.
Immediately, my new OB suggested the cerclage and progestrone shots!
I am 25w2d along (further than any other pregnancy) and I am finally screaming off the mountains that I AM PREGNANT!! I was so hesitant to tell anyone because I hated the "oh your trying again" responses Sometimes people are so cruel with words!! Sorry, I am rambling now, but I'm not too sure what is working for me so far but be it cerclage or progestrone shots I AM STILL PREGNANT WITH A HEALTHY BABY!!! yeahh for US!! so my advice, get the shot, be calm and stay off your feet for as much as you can!! MONA

[ljs318]

Hello Girls!! I am in the same boat as you!! After suffering numerous miscarriages in the second trimester, I finally gave up on having another child and then went away for the WKD with my husband TAA DAA!! I was almost in shock when I found out because it was TOTALLY unplanned!! I searched the web an entire afternoon for all new doctors because could not bring myself to go back to the ones that I experienced so much pain.
Immediately, my new OB suggested the cerclage and progestrone shots!
I am 25w2d along (further than any other pregnancy) and I am finally screaming off the mountains that I AM PREGNANT!! I was so hesitant to tell anyone because I hated the "oh your trying again" responses Sometimes people are so cruel with words!! Sorry, I am rambling now, but I'm not too sure what is working for me so far but be it cerclage or progestrone shots I AM STILL PREGNANT WITH A HEALTHY BABY!!! yeahh for US!! so my advice, get the shot, be calm and stay off your feet for as much as you can!! MONA

That is great news! I also have a cerclage and gets progesterone shots and like you I don't know which is helping but I carried my daughter to term and am 26w5days as well... come join us in the September room. There are a few of us on progesterone and having weekly cervical checks! It's nice to hear more success stories! :)

[Allie1980]

Hey, all! I just wanted to update that I had my first doctor's appointment on Friday! We had an ultrasound and THERE'S A HEARTBEAT!! Woo hoo! We also discussed progesterone. He said he will have my on progesterone suppositories from weeks 16-36. He said I could have shots if I wanted, but he likes the suppositories better because, in his words, "it is going right to the spot where you need it the most" and "it's everyday, to keep things on an even keel." So, he said they are both effective, but his personal opinion is he likes the suppositories better. So, I'm excited about it!!!

Congrats Monali!!!!!

[charityc]

I am 24 weeks along and was put on bedrest on Tuesday because at my OB checkup I was dilated to 1 cm. I was monitored for contractions, which I am not having. They have also started me on weekly progesterone injections. They aren't that bad. Bedrest is very difficult for me. I'm not use to doing nothing but I will do what I need to do to keep my 2 girls safe and warm inside my belly.

[katgirl]

Hey ladies!!
Just a quick update: Had my 28 week appointment today and so far everything is looking good and my cervix is nice and long:hooray: I've been on the progesterone shots for 8 weeks and seems like they are definitely doing there job!!!

[monali]

woohoo!! for a great appointment and for PROGESTERONE!
since we are doing intros here, my name is Mona and I have 5 children but 4 of them are in heaven! I have had 4 miscarriages all in the 2nd trimester and none of them were related or linked in anyway to pin point the problem, needless to say my only miracle baby,who is 8 now was 10lbs 2on!! so it wasn't like my uterus could handle it! after my last miscarriage, I decided to change doctors and hospital simply because I lost faith in them and their procedures. I did lots of research and found a doctor that not only knew how I felt (she too had miscarriages) but understood that I wanted a baby! And here I am, would never have believed it and STILL don't believe it 32weeks pregnant!! I was given a cerclage at exactly 12 weeks and put on bed rest (the worst part of this entire experience) and given progesterone shots starting at 16 weeks but ending at 37 weeks (when they CUT the cerclage) OHH and I also take the prenatal vitamin, Prenate with DHA, which too is suppose to be helping with preterm labor! My insurance has it as a 3rd tier medication so its pretty expensive but that isn't an issue.

If there is one thing that you should know, is that believing in your doctors and having faith in them is very important. Even when things are just not going the way they are suppose too, losing trust in them is the worst so stick with your gut feeling and listen to yourself when things just don't seem right! I hope your pregnancy is a SUCCESS (that goes for all US) and don't hesitate to tell US how you really FEEL!!

GOOD LUCK LADIES!! yyyyeeeeahhhhhhh we're almost there!!

[Allie1980]

That's great news Katgirl!!! You give all of us inspiration!!! :D

[penguin89]

Thought I'd post this on the sticky too, for future women to read.

If you're worried about contractions while on 17P, they are NORMAL! According to this new study, 17P doesn't work by preventing contractions. It works in some other mysterious way. Here ye go:



Am J Perinatol. 2009 Jul 30. [Epub ahead of print]Click here to read Links
Uterine Activity in Women Receiving 17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate for the Prevention of Preterm Birth: An Observational Study.
O'Brien JM, Ho SJ, Istwan NB, Stanziano GJ, Rhea DJ, Barton JR.

Perinatal Diagnostic Center, Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington, Kentucky.

We evaluated uterine contraction frequency in women receiving 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHP-C) for the prevention of preterm delivery. Women with singleton pregnancies and receiving weekly 17-OHP-C and outpatient tococardiography were identified from a database. The mean and maximum contraction frequencies per hour were compared from 3 days before to 3 days after 17-OHP-C dosing. McNemar chi (2), Mann-Whitney U, and Friedman test statistics were used for analysis. Data were obtained from 388 women. Median contraction frequency was greater for women with subsequent preterm birth versus those delivering at term (1.5 [range 0, 14.5] versus 1.2 [range 0, 21.0] contractions per hour, P < 0.001). No reduction in contraction frequency was observed after 17-OHP-C administration, and in fact, the converse was observed for the average contractions 3 days prior compared with 3 days posttreatment ( P < 0.001). In the subgroup of women with a subsequent spontaneous preterm, the proportion who had an average contraction frequency of more than five per hour 1 day preinjection versus 1 day postinjection was not significantly different (2.6% versus 3.0%, P = 1.0). Administration of 17-OHP-C was not associated with a reduction in contraction frequency. To be effective, this drug likely has effects by mechanisms other than tocolysis. Although a statistically significant increase in contractions was identified posttherapy versus pretherapy, the clinical importance of this observation is unknown. © Thieme Medical Publishers.

[katgirl]

So I had my last progesterone shot today!!! And starting next Tuesday I will be going in every 2 weeks. It's crazy to think that she can come at any time now!! I am getting so excited, especially since I know that this time around the delivery and the outcome will be completely different. The thought of getting to leave the hospital with my baby this time is soooooo amazing :wub:

[DucksLikeRain]

I cannot believe you're already this far along! I swear you just got your BFP! Congrats on getting to the mega-safe zone, the going-home zone with your little girl :cheer:

[Allie1980]

Woo hoo!!! How exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!! I forget, Katgirl, do you have a cerclage? Or just the progesterone? Hope you make it 3 more weeks! LoL

[katgirl]

Woo hoo!!! How exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!! I forget, Katgirl, do you have a cerclage? Or just the progesterone? Hope you make it 3 more weeks! LoL


No cerclage here. My doctor wasn't really sure if I went into preterm labor due to carrying twins or due to an incompetent cervix. So we decided on just doing the shots because whether I needed them or not it couldn't hurt :) Although being a pincushin for 12 weeks wasn't the most fun! But whatever it takes!!

[moniqueh01]

I am getting a cerclage next week 10/22/09 @ 14 weeks , then I will start progesterone shots the following week 15 weeks. I am nervous about the cerclage because last time I caught an infection that terminated my pregnancy at 22-23 weeks I was soooo crushed ( Baby Noah). I heard that progesterone protects the cervix from imfection and strengths the cervix. Has anyone heard the same the thing, Just looking for reassurance and comfort ladies:bellyrubs:

[libsco]

my pregnancy is weakly positive with spotting..........my beta hcg count is 46.87..............i have very less spotting.please suggest me wat to do........dr says may be i ahve aborted or may be its pregnancy out side the uterus.i am taking duphaston 2o mg daily.

[DAISYGIRL111]

I just started on 17p shots today at almost 23 weeks gestation. I don't really understand exactly what they do. The doctor said he hoped it would relax me and the baby and take some of the pelvic pressure away (baby is at -1 position and cervix shortened to 2.9 cm) I don't know I just know I hope my baby girl holds on for a long time!!!

From what I read it sounds like its untraditional for him to use the 17p shots for a first pregnancy (kindof sounds like they want you to miscarry or go into PTL first) but I don't know why as the risks are next to nothing so if it can possibly help why not give it to first time moms with problems...

[DucksLikeRain]

I'll be starting these in February or March-just got my BFP yesterday. I'm hoping they get me farther than the 24 weeks I made last time!

[Wolfdreams]

I do progesterone 5 times a day and it makes a huge difference. I’m an IVF patient (8 weeks preggers) so my body doesn’t make its own for another 4 weeks which is why I have to take so much. I am on about 3 times the normal dose because I also have what the doctor referred to as “progesterone issues”. It’s a nice vague term don’t you think? What the devil it means I have no idea.:dunno:

Any progesterone is the greatest thing since sliced bread in my opinion. If something goes wrong and I miss a dose or I am late I can really feel a change in my body. I cramp and my cervix feels like it has heavy pressure on it. Then I start to bleed. As you can imagine I don’t forget my meds but it does prove that it makes a difference. I started out with triplets and lost 2 before the progesterone issue was figured out and the change in my pregnancy is amazing.

I relaxes my uterus and calms cramping I have from other problems in my pregnancy. The only down sides I know of are that it messes with my libido and I am on “total pelvic rest” (don’t even think about sex is the basic translation of that) and I am having very vivid dreams because of it which cause contractions. I’m not sure what to do with that. And of course the hormonal woman from hell routine but I’m freaked out from bed rest so that one I can pass off as frustration.

Don’t stress about it hurting the baby. Your body makes tons of this stuff and we IVF patients take it all the time with no ill effects to us or the baby. Sorry things are not just falling into place with your pregnancies it is hard to have to deal with this stuff.:comfort:

[tynnj]

I had progesterone shots for three high risk factors. They worked well. I was taken off of them at 34weeks as well. I am now 38 weeks and no symptoms of labor yet! My OB believes that I may end up passing my due date.

[tynnj]

Hi there!
Thanks for your response. No, I haven't called the doctor yet. Was wondering if its too early to call. Its only three weeks.U think I should call now or wait for a week?

Its never too early to bring it up to your OB. It may relieve the anxiety over it and you may also find that you have even more questions to ask your OB.

[mar]

Hi Mommies and Mommies-to-be-
Please let me introduce myself. My name is Mary and I am the mommy of a beautiful 13 month old boy. He was born 9 weeks early after I went into unexpected and unexplained preterm labor. He was in the NICU for 29 days but is now big, strong and healthy. I am now 20 weeks pregnant with Baby #2 (a girl!) and I'm on the 17P shots. My husband gives them to me weekly. I've had 5 doses now. My question is, for the past 2 weeks, I am getting a HUGE goose-egg under the skin where he gives me the shot, and it stays there for a long time without going down. Is this normal? I have a Dr. appt Monday but just wanted to ask if anyone else has gotten lumps or hard bumps under the skin wher the injection was.....

Thanks a million!! Mary

[mommy4life]

Hello, My name is Sarah! I am pregnant with my third child. My son was born at 36weeks and my daughter a year later at 32 weeks. It has now been almost 4 years since I have been pregnant and I am currently 20 weeks pregnant. I started my progesterone injections at 18 weeks. My doctor is unsure if they will work becuase I have a dydelphic uterus. My cervix is fine but my uterus is completely cut in two. I have a cervix at the end of each uterus. I am hoping that they will work but have already started feeling crampy and a heaviness in my pelvic region. It doesnt help that the baby's head is smack down on my cervix inn each ultrasound. I have ultrasouns every other week and an ob appt on the off week! I am just hoping that the only reason my daughter came early was becuase it had only been 10 months since her brother was born. I had my son vaginally and my daughter by c-section therefore I am having a c-section this time as well. Which at this point I am ok with because at least that gives me one less thing to worry about. I havent had any soreness or bumps or knots from my shots but I have only had 3 so far.

[mommytoababyangel]

I am on prog. Right now...200 mg.I about had a heart attack,....when I found out how much it was going to cost.Now I just have to see how much of my ins. will cover it.

[onmymind17]

Ladies i have a question, i will be doing an IUI the begining of may, and because we have had 3 m/c my doctor is going to put me on the progesterone shots, and the vaginal supositories at the same time, she said i will do the shots for two weeks until the beta test, if i get a bfp, we will stop the shots and keep using the gel, what my question is do you think this is ok, or should i just be using the gel and forget about the shots?

[4BoysAGirl&A?]

I'm doing progesterone shots this time. After 5 premature babies and months spent in the NICU they finally offered the shots. I would do anything to bring a baby home with me...The Docs are starting them at 14 weeks and I will get them until 36 weeks. It will all be worth it I'm sure.

[nostoppingme]

I'm an IVF patient so we have to do progesterone shots for first 10 weeks. I'm only at week 5...