When is it too late to start progesterone once you are pregnant?

Question

I know that I have a history of low progesterone. Well, I am currently about 4 weeks pregnant...I tried to get in ASAP, but was not able to. This morning I started to spot a very tiny bit. Last Saturday I did get some pretty bad lower back pain (it was directly over my butt), but then that stopped. I just felt my cervix and I could put the very tip of my finger in it (at least that is what it felt like). And I have been having lower pain like right between my legs..

So, my question is, when is it too late in a pregnancy to start progesterone, where the progesterone won't help any longer?

Bourn...I agree with most of what you have said...up to the point where you tell me what to do and not to do. The "Professionals" are not right here at this second.

Answer 1

Typically (and if being monitored by doctor), progesterone supplementation usually rights a couple of days after ovulation. That is the ideal time to start taking it, but can also start taking after 10dpo (after testing positive) depending on whether you have a short luteal phase.

it is really NEVER too late to take some progesterone supplementation (during first trimester) if pregnant - unless you've already got AF and/or miscarried. The point is to taking it as quickly as possible once you know that you're pregnant - especially if you have low progesterone issues, short luteal phase, etc.

After 12-13 weeks of pregnancy, progesterone supplementation is not recommended since the placenta usually takes over production of progesterone by that time (not much you can do if the placenta isn't producing by that time, so progesterone supplementation isn't as helpful). Should seek advice from doctor at this stage and test progesterone levels.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I started on progesterone around 9 weeks - which is when I could get into my doctor. The levels took a while to go up but they did increase to where they should be (after about 5 weeks of suppositories) and now I am about to go into labor any day!

I would keep your finger out of there though, let the professionals do the checking. Just remember lots of miscarriages happen (I had one myself) and its a good idea to keep it secret til you see or hear the heartbeat.

Good Luck!