Please advice, Is there any side effect on using Progesterone during pregnancy ?

Question

Hi All,

I am 5 weeks pregnant now. I confirmed it with the doctor. They took a blood test to check my hormone levels. I have a low progesterone level. Also I had two miscarriages before. So the doc is suggesting me to take progesterone gel vaginally.

But the pharmacy person gave me a slip along with the medicine, that says about the side effects of taking this. It says that "There is a risk of minor birth defects or abnormalities in children whose mothers take this during first 4 months. Also genital abnormalities in children. Male baby has a risk of being born with a condition in which the opening of penis is on the underside rather than the tip of the penis".

After reading this I am really scared. I have not yet started taking progesterone.

I dont want a misscarriage again. But at the same time, I dont want my baby to be born with a defect.

Has anyone used Progesterone while pregnant? Please give me some advice as soon as possible.
Waiting for your replies. Thanks.

Answer 1

Woah! I was on progesterone suppositories from 7-14 weeks (Prometrium) and my bottle NEVER said anything about that! If I remember the bottle correctly, it said something about tiredness or dizziness. But nothing about birth defects or abnormalities. I would speak to your doctor and the pharmacist right away and ask about these. Good Luck!
Here, I just found this article from the FDA. It seems as though they are revoking the warning.
http://www.ohiorepromed.com/progesterone-fda.htm

Answer 2

That article is old, dates from 1999. The FDA still recommends that progesterone be withheld. However, there is controversy in this matter. Progesterone has been used since the 1940s for helping decrease miscarriages. In fact, that was the original purpose of progesterone when first introduced. It wasn't until the 1960s, it was used for birth control.