PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for March, 1999: Re: Progesterone during pregnancy?

search:

Re: Progesterone during pregnancy?

From: Tina (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 22 Mar 1999 11:25:07 -0600 (CST)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Sherry: "Normal Recovery Period for both Vaginal and Cesarean Delivery"
Previous message: Christopher: "Re: 31 Weeks Pregnant and Have Hemorroids"
In reply to: Monica: "Progesterone during pregnancy?"

Hello I am not a medical doctor but I have a Ph.D. in biochemistry. I am currently in my 31st week. During my first week, I spotted and when checked, discovered that my progesterone was borderline. My OB prescribed Protmetrium for me (I can't remember the dose but it amounted to 2 tablets/day). I read the product insert and also was scared but the same line (not recommended for pregnancy...). I called Solvay Pharmaceuticals who is the producer of Prometrium (if I recall correctly). Anyway, I spoke with one of their Ph.D.s who worked on Prometrium. She told me there have been isolated cases of children born with birth defects whose mothers had used Prometrium. The birth defects were one case of cleft pallate (sp?), a couple of cases of heart problems. However, there was no evidence to indicate these problems were directly caused by the progesterone and were merely coincidental. However, because they occurred and these mothers had taken Prometrium, they were required to use this disclaimer in the product insert. She went on to tell me the statistics (although I can't remember them) on the number of "normal" babies born to mothers taking prometrium. To me, there was a greater risk of losing the baby than having birth defects caused by supplemental progesterone. I have had 2 u/s and my babies heart looks perfect. Additionally, I my best friend was on progesterone suppositories with her second child (after miscarrying her first - which was attributed to progesterone deficiency). Her now 4 year old daughter is very intelligent and healthy. I know, however, that many OBs state that their is no proven relationship between supplementing with progesterone and not-miscarrying. Incidentally, I had swithched OBs shortly after initiating the Prometrium. The new OB told me that as far as he was concered my progesterone was not too low but that if taking it eased my mind then to take it as there was no risk to the baby. I ended up taking only 1 pill per day which may have been physically inconsequential but mentally reassuring at the time. Sorry this is so long.

Tina

At Sun, 21 Mar 1999, Monica wrote: >
>I was wondering how safe progesterone (Prometrium specifically) is to
>use during pregnancy? I know a woman whose daughter was born with heart
>defects attributed to the use of prosterone during her pregnancy. The
>insert in the box specifically says "Do not use Prometrium if you are
>pregnant or nursing." Why would my OB prescribe this for my pregnancy if
>it is unsafe to use while pregnant? This is my ninth pregnancy, and I
>have two children. My last miscarriage was in October 98, at 10 weeks
>(all my losses were 6-7 weeks developed). I am extremely frightened of
>losing another child, so I accepted the progesterone prescription from
>my doctor, but I am also afraid of causing the baby and harm.
>How long is progesterone usually used in a pregnancy? The package insert
>says that if you stop taking it you will shed the lining of your uterus.
>Could it cause a miscarriage if I stop taking it?
>I have also learned that natural progesterone is less harmful than
>synthetic progesterone. Is "Prometrium" a natural or synthetic
>progesterone supplement?
>I understand that it is almost impossible to diagnose problems online,
>but I would appreciate any statistics and information you can give me.
>
>Thank you in advance for your help.
>
>--
>Monica
>

--

Next message: Sherry: "Normal Recovery Period for both Vaginal and Cesarean Delivery"
Previous message: Christopher: "Re: 31 Weeks Pregnant and Have Hemorroids"
In reply to: Monica: "Progesterone during pregnancy?"

recommended search...

OBGYN.net forums endometriosis zone Web

use when must restrict search to only the pregnancy & birth forum...
Enter search keywords:
Returns per screen: Require all keywords:

Return to Report TECHNICAL Problems ONLY to: webmaster@obgyn.net
Last Updated: Thu Jun 18 14:25:22 2009

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote