Progesterone shots

lalaleah17

Has anyone been referred by your OB to start taking hormone shots at 18-20weeks? My first baby was born 6 weeks early but weighed 5.14, my second was born at 38 wks 7.06, last year I had a miscarriage, but my ultra sound and blood tests of this pregnancy are normal at 18wks... I had natural labors and hate needles... Any side effects?

haleyusf

There are several ladies on the high risk board taking the shots. I was supposed to start them a couple weeks ago but then it turned out with my insurance it was going to be $3000 out of pocket. My doctor didn't think it was strictly necessary since I didn't deliver my son till 38 weeks (started dilating at 31wks and on bedrest till 36wks), and he offered several alternatives. The pill forms can be inserted into the vagina instead of the shots and his opinion was that it was equally as effective. He also offered to do frequent cervical checks and then we would start procardia if I was showing any signs of going into labor. Just a couple of ideas to run by your doctor as alternatives, especially since your last labor wasn't premature.

nicole0066

I lurk but am due December 5th with my second. My first was born 4 weeks early. We have no clue why, my water unexpectedly broke. My midwife said it was my choice to do the 17p shots since she wasn't super early but there weren't any negatives to doing it. My insurance covers it so I am getting them weekly from 16-36 weeks. They aren't too bad but I can feel they are a little more painful each week. I am usually sore for a few days afterwards but it is worthitif this next one isn't any earlier

abenson3

I am on them.  My DD was born at 34+6 weighing 4lbs, 12oz.  My midwife recommend them for me if they were approved.  I was approved for the shots, but did pay $2000 out-of-pocket.  The shots themselves give me very little pain and you likely won;t see the needle because it is injected in you butt cheek   I do have soreness for a few days after, but find that it is less if I rub the injection site to minimize the lump.  No idea if it will work, but if there is any chance that I can keep this baby on the inside for longer than my 1st I was all for it.

allfalldown14

They told me drowsiness was the biggest side effect, but I'm drowsy anyway so who knows. I started them at 16 weeks and will continue until 35 weeks. I had preterm labor starting at 21 weeks last time so we are being extra cautious. 

aksue22

I did the progesterone shots for my IVF, as well as the suppository. I preferred the shots, though there are cons for both. The shots started out easy peasy, but got more painful as it continued (every night for two months or so). My butt got really lumpy, regardless of massaging the injection site. My butt also got SUPER itchy. Also, I still have a little numbness in that general area (right cheek more than left). With the suppositories, I wasn't on them as long but they were a little messy (discharge) and also SUPER itchy. Necessary evils, I suppose.

caden1206

It was recommended by my OB to take the 17p shots. I was hesitant last pregnancy because the studies had not been completed yet. After consulting with my MFM specialist he said they will not hurt, but it is not conclusive on whether they work. I opted out last pregnancy and this one, but I do have a cerclage in. I say talk to your doctor or get a second opinion. From being high risk I know lots of women that carried further with the shots and a few it had no effect. Good luck.

AnonnAni

@lalaleah17 I am on P17 shots from 16 weeks to 35 weeks. I haven't had any side effects to the shots other then the soreness in the area of the injection. My insurance paid for teh entireity other than my $20 co-pay for the visit to get the referral. I had my DS at 36 (2hrs into 36 weeks so they techincally call him a 35 weeker) and my DD I was on the shots and delivered at 40 weeks exactly.

Abeja1226

I took weekly progesterone shots with my second pregnancy. No side effects that I noticed. My son was born at 39 weeks 1 day via induction so they "worked". My first pregnancy, my daughter, was born at 35 weeks. I chose not to continue to progesterone injections for this third pregnancy for personal reasons.