can progesterone mask a miscarriage?

[realnappiesmum]

Wasn't really to sure where to post this. Just had IVF and got positive pregnancy test yesterday and again today. On progesterone pessaries because of IVF. My boobs don't feel as tender today as they did on Saturday and just concerned that may be a sign that pregnancy may be failing. Not sure if breast would become less tender whist still getting positive test and also if the progesteone would mask a miscarriage. Anyone any ideas or knowledge on this, reading conflicting things on internet. Asked nurse at fertility clinic today but she just said "Oh everyone is different" and can't get to see gp until next Monday.

I've had a lot of IVF treatments, and one DD and two miscarriages. I did a fair amount of research on your question a couple of years ago and came up with the answer that no, the most the pessaries would do would be to delay any bleeding by a day or two.

Don't forget that clinics vary wildly in the prescription of the progesterone pessaries - some say to stop taking them after 2 weeks (even if pregnant), some say to continue for 12 weeks. My GP said there was no evidence to support taking the pessaries for 12 weeks, but prescribed them for me anyway as a kindness.

Fingers crossed for you and I hope all is well for you at your scan in 3 weeks. It is impossible not to worry though, sorry.

Hi, thank you for reply. On progesterone for next 7 weeks. Scan in 2 weeks time but may try and get to see gp sooner and get bloods checked.

Congratulations on your BFP

Was hoping it would be good news! Great mother's day present

When I did ICSI, I had similar worries but I agree with onlyaphase. I didn't bother with my GP in the end for blood tests as he doesn't do them (I quickly realised GPs know v little about assisted conception or even pregnancy - with my current pregnancy I skipped the GP altogether and self-referred straight to the midwives!). In fact, I think my main worry was actually whether or not it would be twins (as transferring 2 blasts gives a high chance of it). But I guess you're on the count down to your scan, when you'll find out.

Good luck with it all!

I had the same worries, not IVF but taking progesterone for MCs.

Can you have quantitative HCG blood tests 48hrs apart? The levels should be doubling and that gave me some reassurance before I could go in for an early scan. The sore boobs come and go, along with other preggo symptoms, its normal but also freaked me out!

Firstly congratulations on your pregnancy.

I want to reassure you that symptoms can come and go in early pregnancy, and does not indicate miscarriage. With my miscarriages, my symptoms would often get stronger just before it happened, symptoms are not a sign of anything going right or wrong.

Next with regards to progesterone, yes the progesterone can delay miscarriage. Without progesterone I would normally miscarry at around 5 or 6 weeks, with progesterone I would miscarry between 8 and 11 weeks. The progesterone can delay miscarriage.

But I want to repeat that the symptoms do come and go in early pregnancy, please try to relax and enjoy each day of being pregnant, it is a special time.

Hi thank you for replies. Internet been down so unable to reply sooner. Just tripped over my own feet and landed on my hip. Has anyone fallen whilst pregnant. Worrying I may have dislodged the little peanut.

My husband doesn't think I've done any damage. Rang friend who has had 3 babies and she told me not to worry. Has anyone else fallen in first few weeks of pregnancy?

realnappiesmum - please don't worry, your baby is well cushioned, a fall cannot cause harm to your pregnancy. I did have a fall in pregnancy with my second pregnancy, fell down steps and injured my foot during the fall, - that pregnancy was absolutely fine. You can't cause a miscarriage with a fall.

Co-ordination and balance going haywire is typical in pregnancy, even in early pregnancy, so do take care of yourself.