Progesterone and High-Risk Pregnancy: Can It Help Prevent Miscarriage and Preterm Birth?
Worried About a High-Risk Pregnancy? Here’s How Progesterone Can Help!
Author: Vishnu Patel PharmD. 4/17/2025
Pregnancy is a life-changing journey, but what happens when you're told your pregnancy is high-risk? The fear of miscarriage or preterm birth can be overwhelming, but there's hope—progesterone therapy may help lower your risks and support a full-term pregnancy. Let’s explore how this essential hormone works and who can benefit from it.
How Does Progesterone Support a Healthy Pregnancy?
Progesterone is often called the “pregnancy hormone” because it plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It helps:
Prepare the uterus for embryo implantation
Prevent early contractions that could lead to preterm labor
Strengthen the cervix to reduce miscarriage risk
Support placental development to nourish your baby
If progesterone levels drop too low, it could put your pregnancy at risk. That’s why monitoring and supplementing with progesterone, when necessary, can be so important!
Who Might Benefit from Progesterone Therapy?
Progesterone therapy isn’t for everyone, but it can be a lifesaver for some women. You may want to consider progesterone treatment if you:
Have experienced two or more previous miscarriages
Have been diagnosed with a short cervix
Experience spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy
Conceived through IVF or fertility treatments
Are at risk for preterm labor based on your medical history
If any of these apply to you, it’s worth discussing progesterone therapy with your doctor or reaching out to Rock Ridge Pharmacy for guidance.
When Should You Begin Progesterone Therapy?
Timing is crucial! Doctors typically recommend starting progesterone therapy between weeks 16 and 24 to help prevent preterm labor. However, women with a history of early pregnancy loss may be advised to start even earlier. Most women continue treatment until week 36 to ensure maximum support for their pregnancy.
What Do Studies Say About Progesterone’s Effectiveness?
You might be wondering—is progesterone actually effective? Research confirms the benefits of progesterone therapy:
Women with a short cervix who use vaginal progesterone have a 45% lower risk of preterm birth.
Babies born to mothers using progesterone therapy are less likely to face complications associated with premature delivery.
With these encouraging findings, more and more doctors are recommending progesterone therapy for high-risk pregnancies.
What’s the Best Form of Progesterone?
Progesterone comes in several forms, including pills, injections, and suppositories. Which one is best? Many doctors prefer progesterone suppositories because they are absorbed directly into the body and have fewer side effects compared to oral tablets or injections.
At Rock Ridge Pharmacy, we specialize in custom-compounded progesterone suppositories, ensuring that every woman receives the exact dosage and formulation she needs.
How Can You Get Progesterone Therapy?
If you suspect you have low progesterone or have been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy, don’t wait to take action. Early intervention can make all the difference!
Call us today at: 201-444-4190
Visit us online for expert guidance: Rock Ridge Pharmacy
Your trusted compounding pharmacy—here to support you every step of the way!
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Don't wait—if you're at risk for preterm labor or have a history of miscarriage, speak with your doctor today. Our team at Rock Ridge Pharmacy is ready to help you explore personalized progesterone therapy options. Let’s work together to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy!