DIY Progesterone Injections?

MrsTeacher25

So I'm hoping someone can give me some advice on this...

I have to get weekly progesterone injections to prevent preterm labor since I had PPROM and preterm birth of my DS (we never figured out why). I am 100% on board for doing whatever it takes to keep this baby in as long as possible.  We started the shots last Friday at 16 weeks and go weekly until 36 weeks.  Luckily, my insurance covers this. BUT my OB suggested that DH give me injections at home so they are more convenient.  We go Friday for him to "try it out."  I am not gonna lie...I'm kind of nervous.  The injection last week was not a big deal, but a trained nurse did it.  My DH is going to be nervous and he may not do it correctly.  My mom also offered to go and learn to do this. She may be better, as she has done insulin for my dad (although insulin is much smaller than progesterone) but still it makes me nervous.  On the other hand, it would be nice not to have to go into the doctor's office weekly and do this in the comfort of my own home.  I could continue to go into the office for my shots, but I start back to work full-time in a few weeks (I'm a teacher) and on top of regular OB appts, I also go for bi-weekly ultrasounds, so I'm worried about missing time. So yeah...I either go in the office and get shots or have DH/mom do them at home. 

I just don't know what to do...What would you do???

nlwz123

If I were you, I'd probably have my mom do it the first couple of times but have my husband present and observing.  This way he can see the correct way to do it, and see there's nothing really to be worried about.  It's just a small needle and he needs to not be worried about hurting you (which I think is the most common reason people at first have a hard time drawing blood from patients or giving shots).  I personally would hate to have to go to the doctor's office every single time I needed an injection.

laurenmichaels

I'm not on the shots now but I was during IVF (till 9 weeks pregnant) and it's super easy. My husband did my injections with no problem. I even did my own a few times when he was away.
Do you have to inject in the lower tummy or the booty?

sherks11

During my first pregnancy, DH had to give me a shot everyday. He was always nervous but he did it without complaint. I have found that it is actually easier for me to give them to myself because I can immediately tell where is a good spot or not (I do them in my thighs). Maybe have him practice on an orange or something first! Good luck!

emcarl24

I also had to do them myself during ivf. You and DH get really good at it. I even got to the point where I could give them myself when he wasn't around.(in thigh or butt!) It's scary the first time but it's totally doable. You've got this!

bonnieuelk

My husband did my daily progesterone support shots when I did ivf. I was super nervous too, but he got the hang of it right away and was very good at it. Just be sure the nurse gave him a quick tutorial and I'm sure he'll do just fine. My husband was all excited and macho about it....I think it helped lol.

andimegie325

I'm also an IVF grad and I agree with PPs, its nerve wracking, but you and he will get the hang of it. Be thankful it's only once per week and not every day! As silly as this sounds, we actually had the nurse draw circles on my rear where the shots should be going so DH felt more confident he was where he needed to be. I have confidence, you'll both do great!

MrsTeacher25

Thanks ladies! I think he will eventually get the hang of it, just the trial and error that has me worried ha-ha! I get the shots in my thigh, near my hip. So I may even be able to try and do it myself! If I get brave...

anniyas

I personally will be going into the office to get them done by a professional (My SO works all day and I am a stay-at-home mom) All I need is my toddler deciding to jump on me during an injection or something to that effect. No thanks!

laurenmichaels

Ice the injection area for 10 minutes before you do your shot. It makes soooooo much difference in feeling any kind of pain. Seriously, it's a game changer.

sherks11

MrsTeacher25 said:

Thanks ladies! I think he will eventually get the hang of it, just the trial and error that has me worried ha-ha! I get the shots in my thigh, near my hip. So I may even be able to try and do it myself! If I get brave...

I know it seems terrifying, believe me I felt that way the whole one during my 1st pregnancy. DH had to go away for a weekend towards the end so I had no choice but to do it myself. I was/am in lovenox and like I said I do it in my thigh. There are a lot of sensitive spots there so it was actually incredibly helpful for me to do it myself. I could immediately tell if it was a bad spot and move it myself rather than screaming in pain and terrifying DH. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

amyelise25

If the progesterone is in oil icing will cause it to form knots that can be uncomfortable. My nurse always recommended against icing. I loved to ice, but stopped after talking to the nurse.

somewhereinafrica

I did progesterone everyday for 5 months. My husband did all of them. First few are the scariest but also you have a larger area as you'll have no sore spots so he will struggle to go too wrong.

My advice is ask the nurse to mark out maybe in a marker the site you can inject that way you won't be nervous it's in the wrong spot.

Maybe buy some extra needles and let your husband practice in a hard pillow incase he is worried. My husband was worried about the angle but got the hang of it quickly.

Make sure he knows not to go too slowly in and also that he is ok to not react if you get upset or flinch.

I wouldn't ice it because I found I went very lumpy when I did but definitely have a hot water bottle ready afterwards and walk it off. After a while I went without.

Not to scare you but once we had blood in the pull back. That was both our biggest fear but it was really no biggie and we sorted it out fine by just adding pressure for a bit and then Going again in n a different spot.

After the first one you'll both be fine. It's honesty a lot easier than I thought. If he has any questions I'll ask my husband for you... !!

All the best

Wicked4589

My husband did them every morning for 12 weeks. He was shown once how to do them and then we were on our own after that. It's pretty easy. I also never iced. I filled the syringe then put the syringe on a heating pad for about 10 minutes. It heats the oil up a bit so it comes out of the syringe easier. It's not a tiny needle so any help to make the oil come out easier and faster, the better. Then he rubbed the area for a minute afterward to help disperse the oil. Never had a single bruise or lump from it.

mommiesandbabies

I did them for IVF and they're nerve wracking but NBD in the end.

Pull the area tight, inject the needle fast, push the plunger down slowly and keep it still. Remove, massage for a minute, and use a hot pad for 10 min or so after.

MrsTeacher25

amyelise25 said:

If the progesterone is in oil icing will cause it to form knots that can be uncomfortable. My nurse always recommended against icing. I loved to ice, but stopped after talking to the nurse.

Yes, it is oil and it did knot up in my knee. So no icing for me.

MrsTeacher25

Wicked4589 said:

My husband did them every morning for 12 weeks. He was shown once how to do them and then we were on our own after that. It's pretty easy. I also never iced. I filled the syringe then put the syringe on a heating pad for about 10 minutes. It heats the oil up a bit so it comes out of the syringe easier. It's not a tiny needle so any help to make the oil come out easier and faster, the better. Then he rubbed the area for a minute afterward to help disperse the oil. Never had a single bruise or lump from it.

This a great idea! Thanks so much!

MrsTeacher25

Thanks everyone! I am feeling much better about all this. I really appreciate all your advice and support!