What Next?
If you have questions about your progesterone levels and how it may effect your pregnancy, please consult your OB/GYN. If they think a lack of progesterone may be an issue, we will work with them to provide you a custom formulated solution.
We work closely with a variety of OB-GYN's and women's health specialists in the area. If your doctor doesn't currently work with us, let us know and we would be more than happy to connect with them and discuss the details of your situation.
A Story of Hope
After three consecutive unsuccessful pregnancies had ended in miscarriage, my husband and I were heart broken. My body and emotions were exhausted after being pregnant and then undergoing three medical procedures, including two D&C's. We were asking ourselves, would we ever be able to carry a healthy child to term? Would we miss out on the joy of having a child? There was such a season of grief…until our fourth pregnancy.
This time was different. We asked our doctor about interventions that might help to sustain the pregnancy through the first trimester, as each previous time we had lost the baby in week seven or eight. After much discussion and research we ultimately decided it would be worth trying something different in hopes of a positive outcome. In September, 2010 we gave birth to a beautiful and healthy full-term baby girl!
Our little girl is now a flourishing toddler and I am now pregnant with my second child. This is all after we decided to take the step of faith and use progesterone from our local compounding pharmacy, to maintain my pregnancy. We love being parents and are ecstatic that our daughter will get to be a big sister, with baby girl number two on the way soon.
Many many thanks to Bob Brensel and his team at ScriptWorks for being a part of our child’s early stabilization. We are forever indebted and thank God for the opportunity to use progesterone to sustain our two babies’ lives. Be encouraged, there is hope, if you have suffered multiple miscarriages in your first trimester – progesterone is something to consider.
--- Ella, Ukiah, CA
Pregnancy & Progesterone
Development
The development of a baby is quite an intricate journey. From the moment that the egg and sperm meet, a baby is beginning the developmental process. This early part of development lays the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. Unfortunately, because these early weeks involve such a complex process, things can go wrong and ultimately end in a pregnancy loss. If a possible complication in early pregnancy is suspected, your health care provider will use a combination of blood tests and ultrasound tests to make a clear diagnosis. A blood test can be used to monitor hCG levels and progesterone levels.
Weeks 3 & 4
The follicle from which the egg was released is called the corpus luteum. It will release progesterone that helps thicken and prepare the uterine lining for implantation. The corpus luteum will produce progesterone for about 12-16 days. When the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum will continue to produce progesterone for the developing pregnancy until the placenta takes over around week 10. Progesterone is the hormone that helps maintain the pregnancy until birth. Sometimes, the failure of the corpus luteum to adequately support the pregnancy with progesterone can result in an early pregnancy loss. Progesterone inhibits immune responses, decreases prostaglandins, and prevents the onset of uterine contractions.
