Low Progesterone in Early Pregnancy

Before knowing about the progesterone hormone and its relation to pregnancy, it is very important to understand the function of this hormone in a woman's body. Every month, when ovulation takes place i.e. when the ovaries release an egg, it is pushed down the fallopian tubes so that it can fertilize with a viable sperm. When post sexual intercourse, this fertilization of the egg and the sperm takes place, the fertilized egg implants itself in the lining of the uterus, which is known as the endometrium lining. This lining gets thickened and prepares for fertilization every month, due to the progesterone hormone released by the ovaries. Thus, progesterone is very essential for the reproductive process to take place in a woman's body.

A thin uterus lining owing to low levels of progesterone in the body, can make fertilization and conception difficult, leading to infertility. Also, low levels of progesterone post conception has many complications too, if not treated in time. Here are the symptoms and effects of low progesterone, followed by treatments for the same.

Symptoms

Bleeding: One of the most commonly observed symptoms is bleeding in the initial few weeks of pregnancy. This bleeding is always accompanied by stomach cramps.

Breast Tenderness: Extremely tender breasts, which are very sensitive to touch.

Back Pain: Women with low levels of progesterone often experience a persistent back pain, especially in the lower end of the back.

Vaginal Dryness: Low progesterone levels can cause vaginal dryness in a pregnant woman. A dry vagina can make sexual intercourse very painful.

Tiredness: A pregnant woman who gets tired very often, could be suffering from a progesterone deficiency.

Insomnia: Lower levels of progesterone in the body can cause disturbances in the sleeping pattern. It can lead to insomnia and in some cases, even depression.

Effects

Progesterone hormone helps in thickening the lining of the uterus and thus is very essential for the proper development of the uterus and the fetus. That's why, the body, in order to ensure a safe pregnancy, significantly increases the production of progesterone in a woman.

Progesterone is produced by the ovaries up to the eighth week of pregnancy. After the eighth week, this production is continued by the placenta. Progesterone hormone also ensures proper circulation of blood in the womb of a woman, thus, providing nourishment to the fetus. If for some reason, the progesterone levels fall, it can impede proper development of the uterus. It may also decrease the flow of blood in the fetus. In some women, it can cause uterine contractions, leading to premature birth.

Treatment

Progesterone Supplements: The first treatment which is suggested by doctors for maintaining correct levels of progesterone in the body is progesterone supplements. These supplements can be taken in the form of injections, oral medicines and vaginal suppositories.

Topical Creams: In order to maintain proper levels of progesterone in the body, doctors prescribe certain topical hormonal creams which have to be applied on the body of a pregnant woman.

A pregnant woman who is experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms, should never ignore them, and should contact a gynecologist immediately. The risks of low progesterone levels are immense. It can induce preterm labor and thus, cause premature birth, and sometimes it can even lead to miscarriage.