Taking 200 mg of progesterone

by Jessica M
(Verona, NJ)

I was released by a fertility clinic over a month ago to my OBGYN
He has not taken me off the progesterone yet and I am 14 weeks pregnant. I am questioning why I am still taking this pill if my placenta should be working now. He seems not worried, but he is very busy.

I had my blood drawn and my progesterone was HIGH... almost 60! He lowered my dose from 400 mg daily to 200 MG daily. When should he take me off? Will taking this pill harm my baby in any way?

Thanks

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Taking 200 mg of progesterone

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Progesterone and pregnancy
by: Wray

Hi Jessica, If your progesterone was low enough for you to be given the progesterone by the clinic (which is a normal procedure), I would imagine your doctor is still concerned you need it. The change over from ovarian progesterone production to placental is about 8 weeks. But often the amount produced by the placenta is still too low to maintain the growth of the foetus for the first four months. Your progesterone level is not high for pregnancy, I have given the references ranges below. As you can see you're well within the limit for the second trimester.

1st trimester: 11.2-90.0 ng/mL
2nd trimester: 25.6-89.4 ng/mL
3rd trimester: 55-200 ng/mL

The higher the progesterone level the better, it can only do good. A low level can cause spotting, a threatened miscarriage, a miscarriage or pre-term birth, high blood pressure, water retention, headaches and more.

In humans it is also involved in the intelligence of a child, as it protects developing brain neurons. So you will come to no harm and nor will our baby. Just be thankful your doctor understands the benefits of progesterone therapy. Not many do. Take care Wray