Stopping Progesterone

I have transitioned to my OB. I had my OB nurse visit this week. I see my OB for the first time (during this pregnancy) on 2/9/10.

My RE saw me last week for my second ultrasound and then released me. He has me on prometrium vaginal suppositories once a day. He said to stop taking them on February 1 when I am 10 weeks and 1 day. I am so scared to stop taking them. I know it sounds stupid. The RE said the placenta is developed and could support the baby at 8 weeks but that they overlap it two extra weeks. He said that even women that don't have ovaries they would take them off of it at 10 weeks.

Traci

That sounds about right. My OB nurse told me to stay on mine for 12 weeks if I could stand it, but I'd be safe to stop at 10 weeks.  I went took them until 11 weeks because I was also nervous to go off.

The RE takes everyone off at 10 weeks. Even if you have IVF everyone goes off at 10 weeks.

Traci

I can understand your concerns. I was on them twice a day from 6 weeks until 12 weeks but was so scared to stop them even though the doctor assured me by then the placenta takes over. I had about a weeks worth left and took them too...then had to stop cause I had no more left. It was all fine but it is the emotional part that is hard. Best wishes...so glad all is going smoothly for you.

I guess I feel like the progesterone is my safety net. I know it sounds stupid but it is the one thing I can control. I think I might take it until I see my doctor on 2/9 since I haven't been able to talk to my OB. 

My hubby was at the RE when we had this entire conversation. So, hubby is like 2/1 you are going to stop it. I even asked the RE, do I need to have my progesterone monitored after I go off of it and he just laughed. He said "Traci, it will be fine. I take patients off of it all the time".

Traci

Like everyone else has said, I was scared to stop taking them too.  He told me to stop at 10 weeks but I just cut the dosage in half and continued until 12 weeks.  I was too scared to quit "cold turkey".  I read that it's common to have some bleeding when you stop and I knew I couldn't deal with that.  BUT...I did stop and everything was fine.  My progesterone numbers were never over 20 and were closer to around 16 even WITH the supplements and I made it through.  You'll be ok.

Thanks,
Traci

Its just your pre-mom and past experiences kicking into high gear wit hthe fear. All will be well, this is your year Traci!

My RE had me do the same thing...stop the estrogen at eight weeks and progesterone at 10 weeks.  I asked about continuing until 12 or 13 weeks but he said both medications were 2 weeks beyond what a woman needed if she was low--they just built in the extra two weeks as a safety net--and not necessary at all if she never was low to begin with, again just a precaution just in case.  I've been off the progesterone since Saturday, and the baby is doing great, no bleeding, etc. 

I am glad everything is great. I guess it is natural for us to be worried :)
Traci