Low progesterone can cause many problems in pregnant women. Progesterone is a hormone secreted by the ovaries. Its main function of is to prepare the endometrial lining, so that the fertilized egg from the fallopian tube gets properly implanted in the uterus. It makes the endometrial lining thick during the time of ovulation. Thus progesterone plays an important role in fertilization.
Low level of progesterone may cause thin lining of the uterus, thus making difficult for the fertilized egg to get attached to the inner lining of the uterus. This may result into infertility.
Symptoms Of Low Progesterone In Women
Low progesterone in pregnancy is considered when a woman manifests following symptoms:
- Bleeding in early pregnancy: it is not the bleeding like menses but spotting observed by the woman. If not cured in time there are chances of missed abortion as the lining of the uterus is thin and it cannot hold on to fertilized egg due to low progesterone.
- Pain in the breast on touch few weeks after conception is observed when there is low progesterone level.
- Vaginal dryness, backache, weakness and less sleep are some of the contributing symptoms observed in a pregnant woman having low progesterone.
Low Progesterone In Pregnancy
Till the eight week of pregnancy, progesterone is produced by the ovaries, after which its production is controlled by the placenta. It also facilitates proper circulation of the blood in uterus of a pregnant woman, thus ensures proper nourishment of the developing fetus. Low progesterone in pregnancy can cause growth retardation in the fetus. Low progesterone during pregnancy can cause uterine contractions leading to premature birth.
Treatment For Low Progesterone
If in any case during early pregnancy a woman suffers from spotting or mild bleeding, she should always consult her doctor. Your doctor may advise you to take complete bed rest, and progesterone supplements in the form of injections or tablets.
Topical cream is also prescribed by doctor on suspecting low progesterone in pregnancy.