Low progesterone in pregnancy ?

[Gonkster]

Hi

I posted this in pregnancy but got no response so I think perhaps it was the wrong topic.

I miscarried in February at 12 weeks after trying for a year. (I have DD who is 2.5yrs and we took 6 months to get pregnant with her).

I've just tested and I'm pregnant again (i.e. second cycle after first period after miscarriage, if you get what I mean). Finding it very hard to be excited right now. I got some bloods results back from the doctors who (before I told them I was pregnant) told me I hadn't ovulated as my Progesterone level was 28 and it would have needed to be over 30 to show ovulation had occurred. I then told them I was pregnant and they said 'not to worry then'. But I am worried as I've read low progesterone is linked to greater chances of miscarriage.

Is 28 low or has the doctor just scared me for no reason? It was a day 21 test, and I ovulated 8-10 days before that (I know that as that's the only time me and DH 'did' anything) so the test wasn't done at the wrong time in my cycle.

I just want to keep this pregnancy safe. I couldn't bear another miscarriage. If I shouldn't be worrying, then I'll switch off the worrypart of my head and take each day as it comes. It's hard as I don't feel pregnant (I can't remember when I started to feel pregnant with my DD).

Thanks everyone.

[ILoveGregoryHouse]

Hi Gonkster my progesterone at day 21 was 22.9 which my doc said was fine. I am now 11 weeks pregnant which happened on the second cycle after a miscarriage in December.

I am supplementing with progesterone and baby aspirin, though.

There should be lots of folks who will have experience and knowledge of this progesterone issue so I hope you can get lots of info from this post and go back to your doctor armed with it.

In short, though, I think your doc has scared you unnecessarily.

[Gonkster]

Thanks very much for your post. It's made me feel a lot better. The Doc rang the Gynae at the hospital and they didn't think I needed any extra progesterone. But I am going to go for a six week scan like they suggested.

I'll keep doing the research as I'm not a worrying type, but I'd like to feel that I'm doing everything I can to keep this pregnancy safe.

Thanks for your post.

[ILoveGregoryHouse]

A good site for lots of technical info is fertility friend. Lots of americans on there who seem really on the ball - well I guess they are if they're paying the bills.

Good luck.

[randomimposter]

Am not medically trained at all so please take with a pinch of salt.... BUT...

I have one DS then have had 2 MMC (one at 12+6, baby died at 11+6; one at 11, baby died at 9). All 3 pg conceived quickly bearing in mind my ancient age.

Am currently waiting to TTC as am keen to eliminate any controllable issues that might mean I MC again. Have booked a day21 test for next week and have just started seeing an acupuncturist who specialises in fertility.

The role of progesterone in pregnancy seems blimmin complicated to me, BUT all I do know is that in assisted conception they prescribe LOADS of progesterone as seemingly there is no down-side to taking it and it could be a helpful factor. And no one knows more about early pregnancy than the assisted conception lot as they analyse and assess every element of it?

I know nothing about number and levels (hope will know more next week!). So won't patronise by trying to reassure you on your levels and what they mean. Only thought is whether you DID ov later than you think, and DH supersperm lived for ages? OR of course the test was incorrect..?

Regardless best of luck with your pg - hope it's supersafe and terribly dull.

[Gonkster]

Thanks Jollster. A lovely and helpful post and not in any way patronising.

I'm taking each day and have decided not to worry. But I am going to seek a second opinion on the progesterone thing from another GP.

You never know, they may say there's nothing to worry about too, or they might suggest something. Then at least I've done all I can and just have to cross my legs for another 7 or 8 months.

Fingers crossed and thanks for the responses. I don't often venture on to mumsnet, but when I do, I wonder why I don't more often!