Placenta question and timing of stopping progesterone

IBackBevo · February 2012

I was reading where the placenta completely takes over about 12-14 weeks. Some websites even say 13-16 weeks. Why, then, do some practictioners have their patients stop progesterone at 8-10 weeks? Is the idea that the placenta is already partially functioning by then? I'm just wondering becasye my OB said to stop the progesterone at 12 weeks, but if in some cases the placenta isn't fully developed until 14-16 weeks, couldn't this still be risky? I'm confused.

rjp2011 · February 2012

I wondered the same thing as my RE had me stop at 10 weeks. Maybe someone else has an answer?

ccam · February 2012

My RE told me it takes over between 8-12 weeks. I was monitored through weekly b/w and had a substantial jump in progesterone around 9w4d. They took me off all meds at that point. Are you being monitored?

IBackBevo · February 2012

Not anymore. I've graduated from my RE's office. My initial progesterone levels were so high that I was shocked they even left me on the progesterone. They just told me to keep taking them until 12 weeks. At the time, I had not looked up this info on the placenta and didn't think to inquire further. I asked my OB and she said I could probably go off at 10 weeks but to stay on them until 12 weeks just to play it safe.

I have not seen anyone on progesterone after 12-13 weeks, though...not on here and not on FF. And FF has alot of IF ladies. Thus, I am guessing that the placenta has sufficiently taken over by the point in pretty much all pregnancies to make the need for it moot??? Does anyone know?

GypsyEsq · February 2012

Both pregnancies I was done with progesterone at 10 weeks. Before the placenta the corpus luteum should support the pregnancy then the placenta kicks in around 8-10 weeks and it was my impression they both provide progesterone until the placenta "fully takes over."

IBackBevo · February 2012

GypsyEsq:
Both pregnancies I was done with progesterone at 10 weeks. Before the placenta the corpus luteum should support the pregnancy then the placenta kicks in around 8-10 weeks and it was my impression they both provide progesterone until the placenta "fully takes over."

Thanks! This makes sense.

Mayan2011 · February 2012

There is more and more evidence that progesterone isn't required once a fetal hb has been confirmed. I stopped progesteron at 8w3d, but that is b/c I was away for the 4w prior. My clinic would have stopped me as soon as a hb was detected. It can be scary to do this, but it is becoming more common - I know there are a few ladies on the board that fall into this category.

KDR1979 · February 2012

I've heard that the placenta takes over at 10 weeks. I stopped my progesterone @ 11 weeks. Progesterone is given just in case us IF patients don't have a normal corpus luteum cyst (which supports the pregnancy until the placenta takes over). So, it is only given for precautionary reasons (except for those with true luteal phase defects).

My RE never checks a progesterone level b/c he supplements all patients, but I am sure that my P4 level was insanely high! I had 6 corpus lutem cysts (majority of eggs came from one side), one ovary measured 9 cm until the 2nd trimester PLUS I was using endometrin until 11 weeks.

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Placenta question and timing of stopping progesterone

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