Low Progesterone During Pregnancy: Do I Have to Worry?

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. It plays an important role in fertility, pregnancy and menstruation. Progesterone helps prepare the lining of the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg. It also helps maintain a pregnancy by preventing contractions of the uterine muscles. A woman’s progesterone levels fluctuate throughout her menstrual cycle and usually peak during ovulation. If a woman has low progesterone levels, it can cause fertility problems and difficulty maintaining a pregnancy. Progesterone supplements are sometimes used to correct low progesterone levels and improve fertility.

During pregnancy, progesterone levels rise and fall as the pregnancy progresses. In the first trimester, progesterone levels are low and begin to rise in the second trimester. By the third trimester, progesterone levels are at their highest.

However, some women may experience low levels of progesterone during pregnancy, which can cause concern. Low progesterone levels can lead to preterm labor, miscarriages or other complications.

What Causes Low Progesterone Levels During Pregnancy?

There are several possible causes of low progesterone levels during pregnancy, including:

What Are the Symptoms of Low Progesterone Levels During Pregnancy?

Symptoms of low progesterone levels during pregnancy can include:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Spotting or light bleeding
• Abnormal uterine bleeding during pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Preterm labor
• Slow fetal growth
• Placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus)
• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.

How Is Low Progesterone Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will likely order a blood test to diagnose low levels of progesterone during pregnancy. This test can measure the level of progesterone in your blood. Your healthcare provider may also order an ultrasound to check on the health of your pregnancy.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment options for low progesterone levels during pregnancy include:

• Progesterone supplementation: One common treatment for women with PCOS is progesterone supplementation. This involves taking progesterone pills or shots to raise progesterone levels. Progesterone supplementation is often used with other treatments, such as metformin. It is important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options before starting any new medication.
• Surgery: If you have an ectopic pregnancy, surgery may be necessary to remove the fertilized egg from your fallopian tube.
• Monitoring: In some cases, when you have low levels of progesterone, it will improve on its own during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may want to monitor your pregnancy closely with regular ultrasounds and blood tests.

If your progesterone levels are low during pregnancy, it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment and monitoring. Low levels of progesterone can be serious and can lead to complications, but with proper treatment, most women have healthy pregnancies.