Low Progesterone - Second Trimester

[Charlize]

With DD2 and DD3, I conceived them on Clomid due to short LP and no ovulation. I was also prescribed Prometrium and took it before AF and if I found out I was pregnant I continued taking it as directed. However, I am currently 15 weeks pregnant with an unplanned pregnancy and have been experiencing progesterone problems the entire time.

When I got pregnant with this baby I was BFing DD3 and taking the mini pill. The mini pill made me very nauseous and I'm assuming that's why we're pregnant now. Due to low progesterone levels, I weaned DD3 in an effort to get them to increase. I did actually get them to increase temporarily through taking 200 mg of Prometrium daily and taking weekly progesterone injections. Once we stopped the injections they dropped again. I also had a SCH develop at 8 weeks and recently resolved. I'm still however experiencing bouts of spotting. We tested my progesterone during the last episode of spotting last week and it was 18.

So, I'm a google addict. This morning I googled "low progesterone levels in second trimester" and stumbled upon some information that low progesterone levels beyond the first trimester usually signal chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects, and many other bad things. I know it can cause pre-term labor, which I think is why I had so much trouble carrying DD1.

Any mamas have any info on this? Or have you went through this before?

[nintendork]

I also have low (no) progesterone and took 200 mg of progesterone a day through my 36th week.  Is there a reason you aren't taking progesterone now?  

I would guess that some of what you read online applies to women who would not normally have a low progesterone level and not to ladies like us who regardless of the chromosomal status of the baby would be lacking in progesterone.  Does that make sense?

[Charlize]

Originally Posted by nintendork 

I also have low (no) progesterone and took 200 mg of progesterone a day through my 36th week.  Is there a reason you aren't taking progesterone now?  

I would guess that some of what you read online applies to women who would not normally have a low progesterone level and not to ladies like us who regardless of the chromosomal status of the baby would be lacking in progesterone.  Does that make sense?

I'm still taking Prometrium (200 mg daily) and resumed the shots last week. Sorry! I get ahead of myself sometimes explaining things. Last week at my appointment I asked if we could re-check my progesterone levels before weaning off. My level last week at 14 weeks was 18.3. Right after that check I began spotting and did so for 48 hours. She ordered an ultrasound at the ER Friday night and baby looked great and no signs of bleeding in the womb.

What you said makes perfect sense about the chromosomal abnormality. I have no reason to suspect anything is wrong. The ultrasounds I've had so far have looked normal. And I've had more ultrasounds this pregnancy than I'd like to admit to.
 

[dakotablue]

I wonder about the google search relablity

With DS I had low progestrone (I think it was never higher than 11.5) But They stopped testing I think at 9 weeks since the placenta would take over. DS is prefect.

So I wonder how often women are even tested for their levels into the 2nd trimester unless there is some other concern, which would skew the data. KWIM?

This pregnancy I had 27.5 at 9 weeks.

[Charlize]

Since I have a history of recurrent miscarriages and low progesterone due to short luteal phase, the OB is wanting to stay on top of my progesterone issues, which I do appreciate. I also had pre-term labor issues with DD1 from 20 weeks on, so that worries her too. I've never been under the care of an OB that is this test happy and it kinda has me going crazy.