Could progesterone therapy have saved my pregnancy?

by Jeanette
(Kansas)

I'm 41 years old and found out 2 months ago I was pregnant. It was unexpected, as I have two teenagers and was not preparing for a baby, however, my husband and I were getting more and more excited with each passing day. Once I found out I was pg (from my general practitioner) I immediately scheduled with an OB/GYN (my friend suggested him, as my former OB dr had retired).

At my first appt it was determined I was 8 wks pg. I gave my history to the dr and explained that I had two miscarriages between the birth of my two children and how I used progesterone therapy to maintain a viable pregnancy with my last child. I asked if my HCG levels could be tested to determine my progesterone level (as I did not want to miscarry.) He assured me that things would be fine and provided me with a sonogram to reassure me. The baby was fine - strong heartbeat and good size.

My next appt was scheduled for 5 weeks (this would put me at 13 wks - my first 2 miscarriages were at 11-12 wks - so I was a little nervous waiting that long. My husband and I decided to wait until my 12th week to tell people (extended family, friends, work...) since I felt everything was fine.

At my 13 wk appt (early last week), the dr. could not find a heartbeat. Although I was not spotting or showing other signs of miscarriage, he did a sonogram and it was determined that the baby quit developing at 9 1/2 to 10 1/2 weeks. (A D&C was performed.)

I asked the dr. if progesterone therapy would have saved my baby if I would have started taking progesterone at my first appt (8 wks) or would I have had to start it much sooner in the pregnancy. He said there has been some controversy with progesterone therapy and assured me that my miscarriage was more than likely my body naturally taking care of a pregnancy that had genetic abnormalities.

Although its been just a week, my husband and I now seriously considering trying for another baby and were not sure if we will have luck talking with this doctor about the importance of progesterone therapy in staying pg. Or, should we seek another OB/GYN who will take us seriously. Also, is there any way that my progesterone level can be tested throughout my monthly cycle (before I get pg) to truly determine if I suffer from a luteal insufficiency? I think this would help me convince my doctor if he could see it on paper.

Because of my age, I am interested in ttc as soon as possible (within the next 3 - 4 months), so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!