How to Increase Progesterone During Pregnancy

Progesterone is a hormone that plays an important role in reproduction. This hormones helps the endometrial lining develop so that a fertilized egg can implant. Women who have had trouble sustaining a pregnancy because their own progesterone levels are too low, may be prescribed progesterone supplements while they are trying to conceive and into the beginning weeks of pregnancy.

Instructions

1

Have blood tests run to measure your progesterone levels once you become pregnant. Most women do not need additional progesterone, but those who do probably have already been taking supplements before conception. Normal levels of the hormone run from 10 to 90 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter) during the first trimester, according to FertilityPlus.org (see Resources).

2

Use progesterone in the form of vaginal suppositories one or two times daily, as directed by your doctor. The Mayo Clinic says that most women who need to increase their progesterone levels in early pregnancy are prescribed a dosage of between 25 and 100 mg daily, according to their hormone levels (see Resources).

3

Insert the progesterone suppositories at night if possible, to avoid leakage of the medication. Wear a panty liner to protect your undergarments from leaks.

4

Refrain from doubling up on doses of progesterone if you have forgotten to take one. Skip the missed one and continue on your regular dosing schedule.

5

Let your doctor know if you if you experience any unpleasant side effects, including vaginal bleeding, swelling or bleeding on your gums, or feeling dizzy and unusually tired. Many pregnant women feel tired at the beginning of the pregnancy, but fatigue in addition to dizziness is not normal.

6

Repeat blood tests near the end of your first trimester of pregnancy. At this point, most women produce enough progesterone on their own and may discontinue supplementation.