17 Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate...

[MamaBirdEmma]

I am pregnant with our third child (15 weeks) and my doctor has me scheduled to begin weekly 17 Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate shots at 16 weeks to prevent pre-term labor (our son was born at 32 weeks). I was doing a little research and found this on Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17-Hydr...erone_caproate

It basically states that there is an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth when using this drug.

Any experience, advice, and/or relevant research for me? My husband and I are very nervous about taking these shots now and would like to go back to the doctor armed with something other than wikipedia for back up.

[soso-lynn]

Get the actual research articles that are cited on wikipedia and read them carefully. Then bring them to your doctor and ask for his opinion. Write down what he says, verify that information and then make an informed decision.

It does seem that it is not currently FDA approved even though they have been trying to for years.

You should also discuss why you had preterm labour last time and see if it is likely to repeat or something that might be more related to unique circumstances.

[IAMommy]

Can't you just take regular progesterone either by suppository or injection? I don't understand why you need that particular form of it, especially if it isn't approved by the FDA.
Did your doctor talk to you about that?

[iggymom]

I have used it in 3 pregnancies including this one, and it doesnt seem to have made much difference overall. The first time using it I still had an episode of ptl(that was stopped w/mag) at 29 weeks, and delivered at 35 weeks. Then I tried it again, and although I had no early ptl, I did still deliver at 34 weeks when my water broke. This time around I started having a localized allergic reaction to the oil and the entire area around the injection site would become raised, red and extremely itchy. I actually only did the shots for weeks 16-20, I am now 34+ and other than a really irritable uterus, I've had no ptl (knock on wood).

The studies done on it have really been inconclusive either way, but it has been used for quite some time. If it wasn't for the allergic reaction, I probably would have continued through this pregnancy, but it was only getting worse with each week.

[MamaBirdEmma]

Thanks for the responses, ladies! I've read the source info from wikipedia and we are planning on meeting with the doctor to discuss options before Tuesday.