Progesterone
PREGNANCY
Evidence
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004947.pub3/full#CD004947-abs-0005
Jodie M Dodd, Leanne Jones, Vicki Flenady, Robert Cincotta and Caroline A Crowther
Progesterone is a hormone that reduces contractions of the uterus and has an important role in maintaining pregnancy and is suggested for the prevention of preterm labour.
Clinical Guidelines
Education
What is Vaginal Progesterone?
If you have a history of premature birth, your health care provider might offer progesterone, which is inserted in the vagina, as a preventive measure against preterm birth. If you are diagnosed with a short cervix before week 24 of pregnancy, your health care provider might also recommend use of progesterone until week 37 of pregnancy.
Recent research suggests that vaginal progesterone is as effective as cervical cerclage in preventing preterm birth for some women who are at risk. The medication has the advantage of not requiring surgery or anaesthesia. Your doctor may offer you medication as an alternative to cervical cerclage.
If you have a history of preterm labour or premature birth, you're at risk of a subsequent preterm labour. Work with your health care provider to manage any risk factors and respond to early warning signs and symptoms.
How effective is progesterone for preventing preterm birth?
Preterm birth can be dangerous for newborns and their mothers, and not all preterm births are alike – the earlier they are, the greater the risk. This is why medications and treatment designed to avoid preterm birth aim to prolong pregnancy until as close to full term as possible, whether that means adding three days to the length of a pregnancy, or three weeks.
Who might progesterone be a good fit for?
Studies show that daily progesterone treatments may help reduce the risk of preterm birth for those who have certain risk factors, like a short cervix.
What about if you have a history of preterm birth?
Those who have had spontaneous preterm deliveries of single babies in the past are especially at risk for preterm delivery. Some research suggested that progesterone treatment was helpful for those with a history of prior preterm birth, and that getting weekly progesterone injections would lower the risk of preterm labour.
How does it work?
Progesterone works by preventing the contractions that kickstart labour. This means that even in cases where progesterone treatments don’t prevent preterm labour, they may delay labour significantly, giving babies longer to develop in the womb.
Progesterone isn’t an effective treatment for those carrying twins or multiples and may not be right for those who have personal histories of certain health conditions. If you’re concerned about your risk for preterm labour, talk to your provider about possible prevention strategies.
Empowerment
Only natural progestogens are prescribed for preterm birth prevention as these are considered to be safe for mother and baby.
“There are no known side effects for the child. After all, it is the natural hormone that we are using,” Professor Newnham said.
“A very small number of women notice some vaginal irritation, but it is not common.”
For more on this please visit
https://info.thewest.com.au/westadvertising/feature/20150225/downloads/feature.pdf
Useful Links
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
The Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance
https://www.pretermalliance.com.au/Our-Research/Clinical-Guidelines
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Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances. To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
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