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Diana... just wanted to add... you can have a non viable pregnancy stay in you for up to 4 weeks after it pa__ses, that is why I had a D&C with my last one once the heartbeat had stopped. Because I didnt want to always wonder when its going to happen or know that I have something no longer viable in me. BUT ANYHOW, I just wanted to add... that there is total hope!! Yours sounds just like my sister where her progesterone was low in the beginning and they put her on meds.. then she was worried and stopped, but her progesterone dropped so much that they gave her shots... SHe had to take 2 shots in her b___t every day until she was 12 weeks. Anyhow, I just want you to know that it saved her baby and she now has a beautiful 5 year old son thats so very smart. My sister was the one that had me have my levels checked the last pregnancy because she said it sounded just like hers.. Well, it was indeed the case, but unfortunately too late. Yours sounds like you caught it in time. Keep posted!! I will pray that this little one is staying strong for you and will be fine!!

Hello Daniella, I just returned from my Ultrasound and things are looking very good!! My Dr. was not sure how to use the U.S machine to figure out heart rate but he said it looked very normal. I will be able to go off progesterone within the next 2 weeks so I feel very relieved. I am curious to know if after you go off progesterone if you continue to get bloodwork to make sure the placenta is doing it's job producing the progesterone, is there cause to worry after that point or does it not do any good and you should just relax and enjoy the pregnancy.I saw the baby kicking it's legs around and dancing for me..very cool!!!! Well I am in good spirits and wish everyone well. I am sooooo thankfull for progesterone therapy!

Diane- Thats wonderful!!! My last ultrasound was at 11 weeks and we seen the same thing, the baby kicking and waving, etc. it was so neat to see. Anyhow, after you are 12 weeks along, its totally up to the baby to make the hormones thru the placenta. SO, if you didn't produce any yourself, you could still get off the meds, because it no longer matters. Its ALL the baby at that point. So, don't even stress yourself at all. ONce you make it to 12 weeks, you are pretty much in the clear. So, congrats!! Your almost there. Yet, just to add.... you can ask for your levels to be checked again towards the end of the pregnancy. I say this because its when your levels drop that makes you go into labor. So, you may want to get them checked towards the end to look out for preterm labor. I will probably have to go on the meds shortly before the baby is due to avoid preterm labor. Just something to look at in the future. But that is months away. Just enjoy now, and congrats!! :)

I have had 2 miscarriages. One at 8 weeks (twins) and the other at 14 weeks. I am pregnant again (only 5 weeks now). I knew right away that I was pregnant and saw my doctor right away. He put me on progesterone suppositories. I have to take one at night and one in the morning. I don't know what caused the first miscarriage, but my second was due to a chromosomal abnormality. I don't know if these will help. I sure am scared, but hopeful. I also have been feeling a little worse than I have in the past when I was pregnant. I am more nauseous and depressed. I have also been having some intenstinal problems. These symptoms started when I began the progesterone. Some people say that the progesterone has no side effects and others disagree. I'm pretty confused. Another thing, my doctor is also having me take 1 baby aspirin a day. He says this can help with the placenta. It is good to here of the success stories. I just want to know that I am doing the right thing.

Chelsea- Well, first off... Congrats!!! Try to relax, it sounds to me like this one is going to work out for you. I lost 3 in the past (last one at about 13 weeks)... anyhow, one out of 4 pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Unfortunately its real high. But, most of the time when you have a chromosome problem it doesn't usually repeat. Just a misfortune. The chances are so slim that it will happen again. I can't believe that you made it to 14 weeks with a chromosome problem. Did they do a D&C and test?? Anyhow, if you are having side effects of the oral progesterone, you may want to think about going on "Crinone" there is 4% and 8%. I went on the 8%. It is the highest dose on the market aside from the shots. But, I only inserted it once a day. Before I went to bed. Its a v____al gel. It goes straight to the uterus to help keep the lining thick, etc. Look up the information on it online. Just something to think about. Also, it doesn't hurt at all. It can only help. :) But, I think once you hit 12 weeks, you will feel so much better. Since I lost 3, I always felt nervous until I seen my ultrasound at 11 weeks with the baby swinging its arms and kicking its legs with a very strong heartbeat. We never got a good heartbeat with our last, so it really helped ease me. Have they been checking your HCG? and has it doubled as it should in 48 hours? also, when do you get your first ultrasound?? Once again, good luck and Congrats!!! Smile___

Daniella-How are you doing? I am at 29 weeks and counting...counting down! I can't wait, I am getting tired again, getting too big to bend over and tie my shoes, put socks on and now that it's getting COLD in Chicago...ugh. But at least I am not in the heat of summer and swelling! I had to do the 3 hour glucose tolerance test last week, not fun. I failed the 1 hour...I think I pa__sed the 3 hour. My doc said she would call me if I didn't. Everything is A-OK, had my shower Saturday, got so much stuff! It was at Wildfire in Schaumburg, YUM! I hope you make in back home for the holidays! Are you at about 15-16 weeks now?

A note about progesterone treatment. I had three miscarriages this year, the third one had borderline progesterone levels (11) and I was put on supplements but had a missed miscarriage at 10 weeks after seeing heartbeat at 8 weeks. I just had all my blood tests done, including 21 day progesterone levels. My levels were normal. The pregnancy miscarried because I have MTHFR - a clotting disorder (the kind they try to treat with heperin and baby aspirin). So, all the progesterone did was prolong my agony. Low progesterone is oftern the consequence of miscarriage rather than the cause. If you have had a miscarriage, please have either the blood test or the endometrial biopsy to find out of this is in fact your problem before getting pregnant again. And if you are pregnant and trying it just in case, good luck, of course, but if it doesn't work out, get all the tests you need to find out the real problem.

I am many other woman will have to disagree with you Erin... Yes, a pregnancy can be prolonged from taking progesterone supplements if you are going to miscarry. BUT< you can definitely save a miscarriage by taking progesterone. But, you usually have to start it early. If you take it too late then of course its not going to help. My sister almost lost her son because her progesterone levels dropped, so they put her on shots that she had to take 3 times a day in her b___t. She now has a healthy 5 year old son because of that. I lost 3 pregnancies in the past and this one I saved ALL because of the progesterone. Anyhow, you are right if it is something else it can prolong the inevitable. But, it doesn't hurt if there is a possibility of that being that case. At any rate she is pregnant right now, so they can't test her pre-pregnancy levels to see if she has a problem. Also, here is another clue if you have a progesterone problem. You may have longer than 28 day periods, you may have irregular periods or you may just go months without one and then have one, etc. Mine were never the same amount of days each month. Never. If you have yours like clockwork, then it may not be a hormone problem, and may be something else. Although, most miscarriages are chromosome problems. Erin, I am sorry for your loss but you shouldn't give others negative hope saying it doesn't help when they could be like many woman who the progesterone supps. were the lifeline to keep the pregnancy. __DANI --- Hey, good to see everything is going great. I just turned 15 weeks today. Which as we said before wouldn't be the case if I wasn't on the supplements. I ended them 3 weeks ago and everythings great. We are going to find out if its a boy or girl on Dec. 2nd. So excited!!! I am actually talking to my father right now in Chicago and he says its pretty cold. I will be back there in my hometown next month for the holidays. :) Yea!! Anyhow, take care of yourself!!! I think cold is better then hot when it comes to pregnancy. LOL

Sorry, Daniella. I am happy it worked for you and all others who have luteal phase defect, and if you read my post, you will see that I said it is worth a try if you are pregnant and have a low progesterone level, just in case that is the problem and the pregnancy can be saved with it. I NEVER said it didn't work. If you lose a pregnancy though, you should absolutely be tested to see if you have Luteal Phase Defect. If you have irregular cycles and can't do the blood serum test, then have an endometrial biopsy. If you don't, and you keep taking progesterone every time you have a low level and don't have a doctor who is willing to do more extensive testing to find out what the problem really is, you are putting yourself through unnecessary hell. You are also wasting very valuable tim. You are very "up" on progesterone supplementation, clearly because you had the type of problem that it can fix. Which is great. But I stand firm - If a woman miscarries, she should have her progesterone levels checked BEFORE becoming pregnant again, so she does not wind up in this pointless cycle. It is not being negative, it is being helpful to women who are given progesterone by doctors who throw it out as a band aid again and again and do not perform thorough testing after a first mc. My progesterone levels were 11 with this last pregnancy... everyone was sure this was Luteal Phase Defect. Well, guess what? Just had my 21 day progesterone levels checked, and they are a whopping 26!!! I also had other tests done after mc number 4, and it turns out I have a clotting disorder, MTHFR chromosomal mutation. This is one of those heparin/baby aspirin things. I should have insisted on having through tests after either mc one or two, instead of going with the progesterone flow that all my friends and doctors were pushing on me. It's great that it helped you and others with LPD, but too many people see it as a quick fix for miscarriage, and this can prolong finding out what the real problem is. And isn't that what we all want? To find out what are problem is and treat it accordingly? Again, I said women who are pregnant and have low levels should try it, of course, just in case, but if you have had a miscarriage, you should insist on having all the blood work done to find out exactly what your problem is and not play guessing games. I lost three babies because of this (by the way MTHFR is not a chromosomal problem withe embryo). I have to say, Daniella, you totally missed my point and I rather resent your accusation that I am being "negative." You are constantly on this board, handing out advice with this saintly, sunny att_tude, which is fine, but how dare you criticize me when I am only being realistic and trying to help other woman. I will get off this board now, but Daniella, although you are a great cheerleader for progesterone and supportive to women whom it helps, if you can't recognize the dangers of throwing it at women who have other problems without diagnosing their problem correctly...

Erin- I never said other problems shouldn't be looked into.. You just said that your progesterone drops because your are going to miscarry. You did say that! In fact your exact words were, "Low progesterone is often the consequence of miscarriage rather than the cause." I was just stated that telling someone that may only need progesterone (like me and hundreds of woman).. your basically telling them that they reason our levels were low is because we were losing the pregnancy and NOT that we were losing the pregnancy because the levels were low. I do agree that you should have everything looked into after a miscarriage. Most doctors don't even test until you've had 2 or more loses which is pretty sad. Also, I don't know if its where you come from or something, but it is VERY hard to find a doctor that will test progesterone and put you on meds for it. I had to search many weeks for a dr. to do it and none would, so I ended up having to get it done at the hospital after having to beg. So, its not something that doctors just throw at you like candy. That is more like clomid. So many doctors throw clomid at patients if they aren't getting pregnant when more times than not, its something else. At any rate, I am glad they found out what was wrong with you holding a pregnancy. Although most woman on this site find out their levels are dropping while they are pregnant. SO, they can't really get the pre-pregnancy test. And a lot of woman who go on the supplements when they find out its dropping have success. Their levels go back up and they don't lose the pregnancy. But yes, if you have a miscarriage you should have everything checked.

Yes those are my exact words: "Low progesterone is often the consequence of miscarriage rather than the cause." I said, often, not always. Note the rest of my post which says "it is worth a try." Anyway, I get your point and I hope you get mine. I am delighted for anyone, including my cousin and best friend, who were helped with progesterone. They both miscarried and then were tested (both are wealthy and could pay for tests, didn't have to go by insurance rules). Both showed LPD, and both went on to have several children using progesterone. I don't know where you live but I am in NYC, and doctors will test you for anything at the drop of a hat. It is also cost effective to throw out progesterone and hope it works (after a woman has already had a miscarriage - it is always worth a shot to save an existing pregnancy - we agree on this!), rather than run diagnostic tests that cost thousands of dollars. I think the point here for all is you ultimately need to be proactive about your health care and be as well informed as you can.

Erin- I think anyone that has a miscarriage should get all their options tested. Just the main post on this site started just asking that her levels went down while pregnant and wanted to know if it was OK to take the supplements. Progesterone is all natural (most of which you are prescribed) so, it is worth a try!! It can only help. Not as giving only as a b__w off instead of looking into other things... Just if your levels go down. My levels were always high enough to get pregnant, but wouldn't stay high enough to keep the pregnancy. Plus, it helps the lining of your uterus to remain thick or even help it get thicker, which is great. So, its no harm. Unless you are going to miscarry and it just prolongs it like you. But, what if that was all you needed and you didn't take it *thinking* that you were going to miscarry anyhow. Then you could have saved something but didn't because you didn't think it would work. Did they give you progesterone during a pregnancy because of your levels? Or did they give it to you after a loss before you got pregnant and told you this is what you need next time?? OH, BTW, I am originally from Chicago, but currently overseas due to the military. But, I happened to be in Chicago when I lost my last one. If I was here, I could have got any test done seeing that I work in the medical field... but, being at my hometown it took lots of begging to have them test me. Almost all doctors say the same.. Your levels are low because your going to miscarry. Well, none would and after weeks, the hospital finally tested me and it was 8.4... She sent me to the pharmacy ASAP. But one week later the heart finally stopped because it was too late. Afterwards the original doctor finally said that was probably all I needed. I just wanted to slap him because he just took my potential future child from me. And then admitted it afterwards. I had a D&C and everything was perfect except the lining was thick enough and my ovary wasn't producing enough progesterone to keep the lining thick and the baby healthy. So, this pregnancy I started the supplements 13 days after conception. I am now 15 weeks because of them. Well, either way.... we both found out what we needed. So, thats the main thing. And unless its your first miscarriage... I wouldn't say that your progesterone is dropping because yoru going to miscarry. Usually if you miscarry once then that may be for the unfortune case... But if its been 2 or 3... then its probably something else.

I'm on progesterone (200 mg), taking v____ally at night. I've had symptoms from week 6 or so until about a week ago (am almost 12 weeks) - nausea, vomiting, exhaustion. I don't know if the symptoms were from the progesterone OR from the pregnancy. Am nervous because have miscarried before. Am more nervous now that I don't have any symptoms. Should they disappear at this stage even though I'm taking progesterone? Also, just don't feel pregnant. Shouldn't I be feeling something go on down there? Felt pulls & stretching last time (before I miscarried at 7 weeks). Haven't felt that at all this time. Anyone else not "feel" pregnant?

Hey Janet.... when do you have an ultrasound to make sure all is OK? I am sure it is.. But, once you turn 12 weeks... the progesterone supplements dont matter anymore, for the baby produces its own thru the placenta now. I am now 16 weeks pregnant and ended my supplments at 12 weeks. But, I had an ultrasound at 11 weeks and the baby was dancing all around. :) Anyhow, my pregnancy symtoms disappeared as well around that stage... Just have new symptoms now, lol. Also, you cant compare pregnancies because each one is different. Its hard to try not to worry after a miscarriage, so I know what you feel. I've lost 3 and no births yet. This is my 4th pregnancy and looking good... but, its only until recently since I went into the second trimester that I don't worry like I did in the beg. The only reason why I lost the last pregnancies is becase I didn't produce enough progesterone, but this one we started the supplements right away and all is well. Has your doctor been checking your levels?? Have you heard the heartbeat yet, etc.??

Thanks for the reply, Daniella. I had an ultrasound at 6 1/2 weeks and all looked normal -- heartbeat was 125. They said that was normal, but it seems like everyone else's I've heard about is at 150 or 160 at around that stage. I go in for another appointment this week where they'll try to hear the heartbeat using the doppler machine. If they can't hear it, then I guess they'll send me for an ultrasound to check everything. My progesterone was 13 when they checked it at 5 weeks. My doc said this is good. But seems like everyone else says 20 or more is better. My doc only checked my HCG & progesterone levels at 5 weeks. Hasn't checked them since. Also, she said that my HCG levels were doubling when they got the results back (which, again, was at 5 weeks -- before I started on progesterone). Did you "feel" anything down there at 12 weeks? I know there isn't fetal movement yet, but shouldn't I be feeling something? Thanks for your help.

Janet- level 13 progesterone at 5 weeks is not bad. Mine was 19 at 8 weeks with supplements and I have a healthy pregnancy. Also, at 6.5 weeks pregnant a 125 bpm isn't bad either. The heart only starts at the earliest at 5 weeks 6 days as a flicker... So, not bad at all! Mine was 166bpm at my 7.5 week visit... I'm sure yours went up in 2 weeks also. Anyhow, I felt little flicker movements since about 9 week and more at 11 weeks. Just not getting more pronounced kicks. But, you shouldn't really feel anything until about 16 to 18 weeks. Nothing before that is not abnormal at all. It also depends on your body style, etc. A lady I work with never once felt her son move or anything at all her whole pregnancy. But, she has a healthy child now. So, that was weird. She isn't big at all either. SO, not every pregnancy is the same. To find a heartbeat at 6.5 weeks is a real good sign. Plus, you haven't had any bleeding right?? I bet you will allow yourself to get closer with baby after your next visit. You can also request a scan regardless of them finding it on doppler or not. I have my next scan on Dec. 2nd to find out if its a boy or girl. I will be 17 weeks then. I am so excited!! :) I am sure your is fine also. Your just about going into your second trimester, so it will be in the next few weeks that you may start to feel something. But around 16 to 18 and almost for sure by 20 weeks you will. 11 may just be too early. Give it time. I have faith that everything is OK!! oh also, I just started to pouch out in the last week. I still fit in my normal clothes now with no problem but no one can even tell I am pregnant and I am 5 weeks further than you. Are you starting to get a little bump at all??