Low Progesterone Level - Wait for 2 Weeks for an U/s?

Updated on November 06, 2008
R.K. asks from Rockville, MD
5 answers

I went to my OB/Gyn after I had a period and then had bleeding start 4 days after it stopped (for a day and a half and somewhat mucosal). Ends up that I likely conceived in the beginning of October prior to the "period". I thought maybe I miscarried, but I have had two beta tests. I got the results of the second today which showed that my progesterone levels improved but are at 914 (of what unit, I don't know). The nurse told me that the doctor she consulted with says I should have an ultrasound in 2 weeks. My husband read up on low progesterone levels and found that one cause can be an ectopic pregnancy. My question is, should I really wait 2 weeks for an ultrasound? I understand that an ectopic pregnancy needs to be removed before it's too late. But, the nurse said that if the progesterone level is below 1500, the ultrasound may not show anything. Any chance that this is a viable pregnancy after all that bleeding? Has anyone gone through this?

Thanks!!

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So What Happened?

For those of you who responded to my original concerns, I wanted to give you an update. Ends up we were right to be concerned that the pregnancy didn't seem right. The ultrasound showed two egg sacs but no embryos. A follow-up ultrasound, 10 days later (about 7 weeks gestational age) showed the same thing. So, I had a D&C on Wednesday and am feeling fine. We never allowed ourselves to get excited about the pregnancy because we could tell from the beginning that this was so different than the pregnancy with my son. We're disappointed, but emotionally fine and ready to start trying again in a couple of months when we're cleared by the doctor. Thanks again for your responses!

More Answers

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K.K.

answers from Washington DC on

You really should wait. Are you on progesterone suppositories to keep the levels higher.
The major issue is this....(I DO ULTRASOUND FOR A LIVING). Depending on what your beta HcG levels are, which basically can tell how far along you are, depends on what we see with ultrasound. Our rule of thumb is if the HcG levels are below 1000, we will likely not see anything. Has your doc repeated your HcG blood work. The levels should double every 2 days.
Unfortunately, you are in the waiting game phase. I wish you all the luck....TRY NOT TO STRESS....it is one more stress on the baby too!

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A.F.

answers from Washington DC on

Kathleen had great advice, below. I know my OB won't order an U/S before HCG levels hit 10,000, and with my DD my levels were at 20,000+ and we still didn't see a HB. She, btw, turned 1 two weeks ago. My levels were slow to rise at first, but then they took off.

I would ask about Progesterone supplements, if you are not on them already. Also, I have heard of many success stories following bleeding. I had implantation bleeding at around 10 weeks with both of my living children -- mostly spotting. Another good friend had bouts of heavy bleeding in the first trimester with both of her successful pregnancies. I could go on, but suffice it to say at least 5 of my good friends have had successful pregnancies following bleeding.

While bleeding is not considered "normal," I definitely know that many women experience it and go on to produce happy, healthy children. I wish I could tell you more, but unfortunately you're in the waiting game right now. I will keep you and your bean in my thoughts and prayers!

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E.T.

answers from Washington DC on

It is very possible to bleed quite a lot and to have a healthy pregnancy. My mother bled all the way through to feeling the baby first move with my sister more than 40 years ago. Back then they didn't just prescribe progesterone as they do now.

As for the ultrasound, they likely just want the baby big enough to see. I had an ultrasound at nearly 7 weeks and the fetus is tiny.

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S.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I had light bleeding... spotting with all three of my girls until about 16weeks. My midwives had me apply progesterone cream to my abdomen and that helped. The girls are now 7yr, 4yr, and 10mo.

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J.K.

answers from Washington DC on

I had the same issue and went on Prometrium til week 15, and both went full term and totally healthy, even though I bled for 5 months!

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