I thought I might post this in an area where it might get attention from folks who have experience with hormone drugs, I am concerned and would love imput.

I am pregnant with my first, never have been pregnant before. I had bloodwork done, I am 4.4wks pregnant, and my progesterone level is low. It is an 8.

The doctor immediately prescribed prometrium. But I am reading the bottle where it says "may cause harm to unborn baby", and all sorts of links stating it is used in cases where the woman has had recurrent miscarriages.

I called a second doctor, the one I plan on using from now on because they are so wonderful... And they said, they are suprised this Dr. even wanted to TEST me in the first place for levels, when I have no reason in my past. Muchless prescribe the hormone drugs.

I am going back tomorrow to get the 2nd HcG level to make sure it is doubling, but I am in a real toss up. I don't know at all if I should take the prometrium. I have another appointment on Wednesday... so am wondering if I should wait till then to get a second opinion before starting the hormones.

Any insight yall might have would be wonderful.

My doctor has told me that he does want me to take prometrium prior to and during my next pregnancy. I have heard many women taking prometrium/progesterone and having healthy pregnancies. I completely understand your concerns, but your doctor isn't going to prescribe you something that will harm you or your baby. If you are too concerned, I would definately ask when you get your next set of HCG tests done. Good luck! and crongratulations on your pregnancy!

I'm same as Joanne, been on prometrium 2x's for pg, and now doc wants to take before and during the next one. The reason they put the warning on the drug is because no long term testing has been done for the effects of pg/baby. Google if you'd like, there's plenty to read both good and bad. It's a hormone your body makes naturally during pg and in your cycle, and personally I can't see how a supplimental dose can be harmful. The side effects for me, were hard to deal with but nothing I couldn't tolerate for the sake of a baby. If you feel very uncomfortable taking it, then you should discuss with the new doc.
Good luck to you!
P

I take Prometrium.

I also have very low progesterone and take it on days 18-32 of my cycle with the impression that I may continue through the first part of a pregnancy. I can see why you're worried, as I would be too. I'm sure the dr. has a reason for it. Hope you get some answers fromt he new dr. soon and everything works out.

is this used to raise progesterone whilst ttc?

My clinic regularly prescribes Prometrium with any IUI or IVF proceedure. I guess they look at it as an insurance policy - after all we go through to GET pregnant, if it takes - they want us to STAY pregnant.

It does not increase your fertility. Rather, it keeps the progesterone levels high enough for implanation and healthy growth of a very new embryo.

If you wind up not being pregnant, you just stop taking it. I've been on Prometrium 4 months now (with 4 IUI cycles) and will continue with it if I DO get a BFP for now. (My sister suffered multiple miscarriages and while her status should not be an indicator of my status, if it can help me maintain an early pregnancy - great. But we all make our own decisions - and I can understand hesitation given the vast amounts of pro/con literature on the web.)