Among the many changes that occur as pregnancy develops, your body begins producing extra hormones. Progesterone is one of the hormones that increase during pregnancy, and low levels can signal a problem. If your doctor decides to test your progesterone levels during pregnancy, it is important to understand where your levels should be and what you can do if they are low.
Progesterone Role
After your ovary releases a fertilized egg, progesterone is produced by the ovary to help prepare the uterus for implantation. Once implantation occurs, the corpus luteum cyst on the ovary in early pregnancy provides progesterone to help continue the pregnancy until the placenta takes over around nine to 10 weeks into the pregnancy.
Normal Levels
Normal levels of progesterone are higher in pregnancy. The levels rise slowly and vary according to each trimester. According to the American Pregnancy Association, normal progesterone levels for the first trimester are 9 to 47 nanograms per milliliter. In the second trimester, normal levels are 17 to 146 ng/ml, and in the third trimester normal levels are 49 to 300 ng/ml. However, these levels are a guideline and actual levels can vary according to each woman, so only your doctor can determine if your progesterone levels are lower than normal.
Dangers of Low Levels
If your progesterone levels are too low during pregnancy, it can be difficult for the pregnancy to continue and lead to miscarriage. It can also result in toxemia of pregnancy, also known as preeclampsia, a complication characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Testing and Treatment
Your doctor may test your progesterone levels with a blood test in early pregnancy, or to try and find out reasons for infertility or miscarriages. If your levels are low, he may prescribe progesterone medication or suppositories in early pregnancy to help support early pregnancy.
