According to the Centers for Disease Control, over one in every 10 infants born in the United States in 2022 was born preterm. Black birthing people have higher rates of preterm birth than birthing people of other races and ethnicities. Since preterm birth is difficult to predict and can cause serious fetal complications, experts have developed ways to lower the risk of preterm labor and birth when there’s a risk of preterm birth.
Progesterone is one tool that healthcare providers commonly use to reduce the risk of preterm labor in people with a short cervix.
What is progesterone?
Progesterone is a hormone that the body produces naturally. Progesterone helps thicken the uterus to prepare for the fertilized egg before a woman becomes pregnant. About 8-10 weeks into pregnancy, the placenta begins to produce progesterone to keep the uterine lining maintained. Progesterone helps with breast development and complements estrogen production.
Who is prescribed progesterone?
If you have a short cervix (defined as less than 2.5cm), progesterone may be an important part of the line of defense.
Progesterone is not recommended if you’re having twins or multiples and are at risk for preterm birth.
When and how is progesterone administered?
The timing and method of progesterone application depend on a variety of factors.
- Vaginal progesterone is prescribed to women with a specific degree of short cervix who are carrying just one baby. This can come in the form of gel, suppositories, or capsules, and is administered directly into the vagina daily. Treatment usually starts between weeks 16 and 24, and lasts until week 36 of pregnancy.
Progesterone isn’t prescribed to everyone who is at risk for preterm birth. Depending on your pregnancy characteristics and prior history, your provider may or may not recommend progesterone. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about whether or not progesterone would help your pregnancy.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- “What is premature birth?” CDC. US Department of Health and Human Services, Nov 9 2015. Web.
- Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Publications Committee. “Preterm birth: Progesterone as treatment for preterm birth.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 206(5)376-386. Web. May 2012.
- “Progesterone and pregnancy: a vital connection.” RESOLVE. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association Since 1974, 2016. Web.
- Ana Gotter. “Low progesterone: causes, complications, and more.” Healthline. Healthline Media, Aug 25 2016. Web.
