Preventing your uterus from contracting (contraction during early pregnancy can cause miscarriage)
Preparing your breasts for milk production
Making your lungs work hard so that more oxygen is delivered to you and your baby
If you have had a miscarriage or a premature birth, you must inform your doctor about the same. Progesterone therapy can help you reduce your chances of having a miscarriage or a premature baby.
Your doctor may put you on progesterone therapy if you are at risk or have a history of preterm birth. Preterm birth means delivering a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
How will My Doctor Give Progesterone to Me?
Your doctor could advise either progesterone gel or injections depending on your history and condition.
Progesterone Gel
Studies have shown that progesterone gel is effective among women with short cervix (opening of the uterus being short). Progesterone gel is available with a tampon-like applicator that helps the gel to be released into the vagina. You need one application every day. Your doctor may sometime advise you to use progesterone gel from 20/23 weeks till 37 weeks of pregnancy. Do not worry! Progesterone gels are safe for you and your baby and there are no side-effects of using it.
Progesterone Injections
If you have had a history of preterm birth, your doctor may advise you to take progesterone injections. You may be advised to take these injections between 16 and 20 weeks and to continue till 37 weeks of pregnancy. You can talk to your doctor about its safety and side-effects. Progesterone injection may cause a slight discomfort at the site of injection.
While progesterone being given to you is a precautionary step to prevent preterm labour, you should know that progesterone injections do not work in all cases. However, your doctor will be the best person to decide if it is right for you.
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