Progesterone anyone?

LastMango · September 2016

I debated where to put this topic but figured it applied to more than one of our regular threads so, here it is.

After checking my cervix length at the OB over the past two weeks, it turns out that my cervix is an asshole and is already shortening and down to 2cm. Not cool, cervix. OB sent me to an MFM for a second opinion and the MFM has now put me on progesterone suppositories (I know, glamorous right?). Supposedly there is nothing they can do to actually stop the cervix from shortening (once past 24 weeks they will no longer do a cerclage). However, progesterone has shown to work in 50% of the cases and prevented preterm labor from occurring. No modified activity/bed rest or anything like that.

Anyway, I guess my question is twofold.

1) Have any STMs had this happen and been put on progesterone? Outcomes?

2) I know that progesterone is used for more than just keeping people pregnant. I could be mistaken but I think it's prescribed for women with certain IF issues. So if you've been on it for any reason, what was your experience? Side effects?

cmcoy267 · September 2016

I get weekly progesterone shots due to preterm labor with my first. I had him at 29 weeks. I will get the shots till 36 weeks and started at 16 weeks. My doctor also has me getting an ultrasound every 2 weeks to check cervix.

The side effects I have seen with this far along, is injection site can be itchy/lumpy and I also get more headaches I think. Basically usual hormone issues but nothing drastic that I have seen. If I can keep this baby till 37+ weeks...it is definitely worth it.

I am assuming you are on bed rest of some kind? I am sorry that is is going that way for you, pregnancy can be so hard especially with the worry. I was told this time not to walk long distances and pretty much just not do a lot of physical stuff other than everyday movements.

KRB22 · September 2016

I'm sorry you're going through this, but glad the MFM is optimistic!

I was prescribed progesterone suppositories prior to getting pregnant for a suspected luteal phase defect (short luteal phase with intermittent spotting), and continued taking it once I was pregnant through about 10 weeks.

I only had to take it once a day and did so at night. It did make me a little sleepy initially but I didnt notice that so much after my body got used to it. I also felt a little sluggish and bloated during the months I only took it for 2 weeks at a time, but I think once I was pregnant the side effects wore off after a while.

The only other thing to keep in mind with suppositories is that they will leak, even if you place them at night. Not sure which kind you were prescribed, but I was on the generic of prometrium, which were yellowish capsules, and that's basically what the leakage looked like. So panty liners are a good idea

LastMango · September 2016

@cmcoy267 No bed rest or modified activity at this point. MFM said it could actually be counter productive??? 29 weeks is scary so I definitely hope you go much further with this babe. Looks like I'll be on these until 36 weeks as well. After going past 40 weeks with my first, this was totally unexpected. Pregnancy is weird.

@KRB22 Yep, little yellow suppositories for me. I stocked up on panty liners and started them last night. I seemed to be in a fog today and really run down but that could also be from the flu shot yesterday. Hopefully my body adjusts quickly.

Thank you both for sharing your experiences!

gapeachrn · September 2016

I was on crinone progesterone for the first trimester as a precaution for my previous miscarriages. The worst part was the constant discharge and build up. I'll be sending lots of prayers your way!

BrennansMom2012 · September 2016

First off I like your positive attitude on everything. Positivity will help the most! Secondly, I was on them for the first 14 weeks. Like PP said, I experienced headaches, bloat and nasty discharge. I also noticed I needed to "freshen up" more throughout the day, due to the discharge. I also tried to not get up for at least 30 minutes after inserting which can be hard when you have a baby pushing on your bladder. I've had several friends receive the shot to avoid preterm labor. Praying and thinking of you!

On a side note, the first two weeks I was on them I was even more of a raging bitch...or so my husband told me recently. Everything bothered me and I had no problem letting anyone know. Of course this was also in the beginning of pregnancy so your hormones might be better balanced by now.

nolemama24 · September 2016

I wanted to jump in and say prayers & thoughts your way ladies! I am not on progesterone, however, every 4 weeks I get my cervix checked because of some mild dysplasia found. I know it sucks to get poked and prodded so much

Our bodies are so strong & birth babies yet sooooo delicate---blahhh

ThePax89 · September 2016

Just here to wish you tons of luck.
I took progesterone orally with my last pregnancy and it made me nearly shit my pants (I don't know how to more eloquently express that),about 6 times in public. I was told that vaginal progesterone would stop that from happening.

TinaBelcher · September 2016

I was on crinone suppositories first tri for the IVF (plus 2 unsuccessful rounds before this) when I was not pregnant but on the supps it gave me pregnancy symptoms (sore boobs, slight nausea, etc), when I was on it thru first tri it made my morning sickness a little more intense and I spotted a bit- likely from an "irritable cervix"- but otherwise no major side effects besides an epic need for panty liners.

FX that this does the trick!!

susykat77 · September 2016

I was on progesterone suppositories 3x a day for the first 14 weeks of pregnancy (as well as the numerous times before during the previous IVF attempts) Agreed with the above symptoms and the messiness with the need for panty liners. I will echo that spotting is possible because the cervix may become irritated. Sending you long cervix thoughts!

litzi-2 · October 2016

i've been having a pretty scary out of town weekend and am now on the vaginal progesterone as well. I had bad contractions and bleeding randomly after sex two nights ago and went in, got IVF and terbutaline. My cervix was soft but wasn't dilating, thank goodness. Its 1.6cm so I'll be on this stuff likely until I deliver or 36 weeks. I haven't seen my OBs yet because I'm still out of town.

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