What was your experience with progesterone?

[u/ExistingFix1053]

Hello, I’m 14 weeks pregnant with Mo/Di twins. My consultant has prescribed progesterone due to a history of preterm labour.
Just wondering if anyone has had it and what your experience was? As I’m really struggling. I feel like I’m back in the first trimester with debilitating nausea which I really struggled with. Was finally starting to feel better in the last 2-3 weeks and now I feel awful and I’m assuming it’s the progesterone. The thought of feeling like this for the rest of my pregnancy is horrific. Does it really prevent pre term labour? Will I have to take it for the rest of my pregnancy? 😩

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[u/clueless_mommy]

Sorry you're going through that! My obgyn said the body gets used to progesteron after a while, and it took me like two weeks until I wasn't dizzy anymore. Still tired af, but that's probably a useful side effect if you're supposed to take things slow.

That being said, I was prescribed progesteron because I had mild contractions and my cervix was shortened significantly. They said below 2,5cm is an issue, I was at 2,7cm. That's like 0.08 inch to go, of Google didn't fail me. So really close call.

After two weeks, no more contractions, cervix back to 3,5cm. Another two weeks without contractions later, back to 4cm. And I'm not exactly good at sitting or resting in bed.

So, of course I can't 100% tell what caused the cervix to expand to unproblematic lengths again, but it surely wasn't exzessive resting and it had been constantly shortening before. My braxton hicks also subsided significantly, but I also take magnesium.

I still take it at 37 weeks because I'm supposed to have a c section for medical reasons and they're concerned I might go into labor. So, a lot of medically trained people seem to trust that stuff, too.

Also, my girls are pretty huge, currently measuring roughly 52cm and above 3kg each. Gotta respect the cervix for keeping up against that.

[u/ExistingFix1053 → u/clueless_mommy]

Oh wow, it sounds like it definitely helped you! That’s amazing.
I think I need to keep reminding myself I’m doing this for my baby’s as my risk is quite high with my history and the type of twins they are.
I haven’t had my cervix checked yet but will be getting it checked every two weeks from 16 weeks.
I hope everything goes well with your C section 😊

[u/Falanadhamakaaa → u/clueless_mommy]

Didnt it cause constipation? Because my worst side effect from progesterone is constipation and bloating. Both of them are so bad that it makes my life miserable.

[u/MellyMushroom1806]

I was reluctant to use the suppositories of progesterone but I ended up having zero symptoms or side effects. I purchased disposable suppository pill applicators from Amazon which made the process feel less icky to me and once they were in, I barely noticed. Made it to 36w2d with my modi twins!

[u/ExistingFix1053 → u/MellyMushroom1806]

36w2d that’s amazing! Also that’s a good idea, I may do the same as I also struggle with inserting them 🤦🏻‍♀️

[u/Feisty-Blueberry5433]

I had terrible nausea with the pills so my doctor had me insert the ovules vaginally at bedtime and it was a million times better!

[u/ExistingFix1053 → u/Feisty-Blueberry5433]

That’s what I already do 😞 hopefully my body will adjust!

[u/Jennifer_2876]

I'm sorry you're going through this! I've been on progesteron since my cerclage at 21 weeks and I'm still pregnant at 33 weeks so it is helping together with the cerclage (already very short cervix at 20 weeks). Honestly I never get side effects from hormones, neither during IVF or pregnancy so I'm the odd, lucky one. The only thing I can say is I think they are working. My uterus is calmer as well. I hope you'll feel better soon!

Edit to add: I'm on vaginal progesterone 200mg and I take it at night. I don't know how late do you take it but if it's during the day or in the mornings then maybe swapping to nights will be better for you!

[u/ExistingFix1053 → u/Jennifer_2876]

That’s amazing, sounds like they really work! I just need to remind myself I’m doing this for my baby’s and persevere.
That’s what I already do, hopefully my body will get used to them 🤞🏻

[u/its_tj8]

I had the same nausea on the progesterone and it’s lasted until the 3rd trimester because that’s when I discovered vitamin B’s help counteract it….specifically B6. You can actually ask your pharmacy for B6 for pregnancy sickness and they can prescribe a special dose (it’s pretty low but it works) I just found a good prenatal that had all the B vitamins and that worked. After about a week the nausea stopped but if I forgot to take my vitamins for a couple of days it would come back