The corpus luteum, the follicle that releases your egg during ovulation, releases a hormone called progesterone in early pregnancy. This hormone is designed to thicken your uterus and maintain the pregnancy until around 10 weeks, when the placenta begins producing enough progesterone to take over. If your corpus luteum is not producing enough progesterone, injections or suppositories can be used to maintain the pregnancy.
Needs
According to MedlinePlus, progesterone levels in your first trimester should be between 11.2 and 90 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Without enough progesterone, you may experience a threatened abortion. Your doctor may prescribe progesterone injections if a blood test shows low progesterone levels, which could mean that your body is not making enough to sustain the pregnancy.
Benefits
Progesterone injections work by relaxing your uterus to prevent contractions. It also inhibits your body's immune responses, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Injections of progesterone are also used to regulate menstrual cycles and treat endometriosis pain and loss of appetite.
Side Effects
Side effects of progesterone injections include abdominal pain, drowsiness, mood changes, weight changes and headache. Tell your doctor about any side effects you are experiencing. You may receive the injections up to your 11th week of pregnancy; the side effects should go away as your body adjusts to the injections.
Recommendations
Progesterone injections are only available by prescription and must be administered by your doctor. The needed dosage varies according to each patient. If injections are not a good option for you, your doctor may prescribe vaginal suppositories that you can administer at home. Talk to your doctor about the best method of receiving progesterone during your pregnancy.
