Introduction and Question about Progesterone

Desertrose27 · April 2014

Hello everyone. I am newly pregnant from a FET on 2/27. My husband and I have been TTC for 2.5 prior to this and have done a number of IUIs and a failed IVF last November. I have a rare genetic disease that, among other things, causes cilia dysfunction in my fallopian tubes, which makes it hard to transport the egg to where it needs to be for fertilization.

I had my first ultrasound last Friday. I was supposed to be 6w6d, but the fetus only measured 6w2d and the heartbeat was just under 100 bpm. The doctor is concerned and I will go back on Monday for a follow up. I did some googling after I got the news on Friday, which might not have been the best idea. I've been trying to remain calm since then, especially since there isn't much I can do about it. At least my pregnancy symptoms have continued and there are no signs of miscarriage.

I did, however, have a question. I have heard of women being monitored for progesterone early in pregnancy to ensure that the levels are correct. My clinic has not done any blood work since my betas, so I am wondering if this should be done? I am still taking PIO and suppositories, so that might affect the results. Thanks everyone for your help.

TJ1979 · April 2014

If you are on PIO and suppositories, that is progesterone. Your blood levels won't be quite accurate because one of those two doesn't show up in the blood stream. At this point, all you can do is take it easy and stay hopeful.
Also, you are totally more than welcome to post here, but you will find more pregnant ladies on Pregnant After IF (PAIF.) We have all already had our babies, though many of us are working on #2 or more. GL with your pregnancy, I hope this is your sticky baby.

itsmevkb · April 2014

I agree with TJ in that when you are using progesterone supplemention there really isn't much point to the testing as 1.) you are most likely injection more PIO into yourself than your body would ever create on it's own and 2.) suppositories deliver the progesterone to the tissue and not directly into your blood stream and thus that does not show up accurately in blood test results.

Either way, at this point, more progesterone isn't going to change your pregnancy. Measuring off a few days doesn't seem like a big deal as they are trying to measure something very, very small. However, I will be honest and say that a heartbeat under 100 is most likely not a good sign. On a brighter note, I have never done a FET but from everything I've heard, they can be late implanters and developers so that is on your side. Hopefully you just have a slow grower and you will get better news at your next ultrasound.

Desertrose27 · April 2014

Thanks for the input. I thought as much, but then I've heard of people getting blood work prior to stopping the progesterone.

@TJ1979: I looked all over for the Pregnant after IF board and I couldn't see it listed anywhere. Is there maybe a link or a description of where it might be? Thanks.

@itsmevkb: Thank you for the input. Yes, the studies out there on fetal heartbeat are awfully scary. I, too am hoping that it was simply a late implanter. I will know more when I go back on Monday, but until then there's not a whole lot I can do. Thank you for the support though.

TJ1979 · April 2014

Try this link:
https://forums.thebump.com/categories/pregnant-after-if

The bump is going through a lot of format changes so navigating is wonky lately.

Ruthie04 · April 2014

I agree with the other ladies. I only had my progesterone checked with my initial beta and was only using PIO. My OB didn't even want to mess with those meds since my RE put me on it. I stopped cold turkey at 10w with no additional blood work.

Hoping for some good news for you at your next appointment!

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Introduction and Question about Progesterone

Me: 34, PCD (defective cilia in fallopian tubes), borderline thyroid

DH: 35, borderline morphology otherwise healthy

Married 7 yrs, TTC 3.5 yrs

Re: Introduction and Question about Progesterone

Me: 34, PCD (defective cilia in fallopian tubes), borderline thyroid

DH: 35, borderline morphology otherwise healthy

Married 7 yrs, TTC 3.5 yrs

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