Is it really effective to prevent preterm birth with the hormone progesterone?

Babies born prematurely often have health problems. To prevent this, progesterone hormone therapy is often recommended.

Preterm birth is a condition in which a baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Usually, babies born prematurely have more health problems than term babies (between 39 and 40 weeks of pregnancy). To prevent this, many pregnant women are advised to use hormone therapy progesterone. Is this method really effective? Please join aFamilyToday Health to continue to share the following to understand more about this hormone.

According to statistics, about 70% of premature births occur spontaneously, the remaining 30% can be due to medical decisions or the result of diseases in the mother or fetus. Preterm birth is the leading cause of neurological disability and death in infants. According to many studies, the hormone progesterone can reduce this risk by up to 40%.

What is the hormone progesterone?

Progestogen is one of five steroid hormones, this hormone is divided into two groups, the exogenous group (progestin) and the endogenous group (progesterone).

Progesterone is a hormone made by the body and plays a key role in controlling menstruation after ovulation. In pregnant women, progesterone helps the uterus grow, reduces contractions, thereby reducing the risk of miscarriage and preventing preterm birth.

The role of the hormone progesterone in pregnancy

Progesterone supply during pregnancy is very important because this hormone helps the endometrium become "strong" and strong to nourish the fetus. In addition, this hormone also contributes to creating a favorable environment to ensure the healthy development of the fetus during the time in the womb.

In particular, progesterone also helps the mammary gland to develop ready to release milk and helps pregnant mothers' lungs work better to provide more oxygen for the development of the fetus.

When should progesterone treatments be used in pregnant women?

Women at high risk of miscarriage or premature birth will be prescribed progesterone therapy:

Preterm birth

If you have had a preterm birth, your doctor will recommend progesterone hormone therapy. This therapy is usually given around 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy and continues at 36 weeks.

The cervix is ​​short

Progesterone therapy is also used in pregnant women with a short cervix . The cervix is ​​the lower part of the uterus, located above the vagina. During labor, the cervix opens, narrows and becomes softer so that the fetus can go through the vagina more easily.

A short cervix means a shorter cervical canal length than usual, leading to the cervix opening earlier before the fetus is ready to be born. When the cervix opens too soon, it is called an incomplete cervix (also known as cervical cleft palate). If a woman has a short cervix, the risk of preterm birth is 50%.

A short cervical condition can be detected by ultrasound. Experts recommend that pregnant women take a cervical measurement between the 19th and 24th weeks of pregnancy.

For women with a short cervix, progesterone therapy will be given at 18 weeks of pregnancy and continued at 36 weeks.

Had early rupture of membranes

Premature rupture of amniotic fluid is the rupture of amniotic fluid before the 37th week of pregnancy. For those with early rupture of membranes, the doctor will inject the hormone progesterone to avoid this in subsequent pregnancies.

How is hormone therapy progesterone performed?

There are two forms of progesterone used to treat preterm birth:

Progesterone injection

A progesterone injection to prevent preterm birth is a fairly common way. This progesterone is 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (also known as 17P). When injecting the drug, pregnant women may experience discomfort at the injection site. This method cannot be performed on its own without the supervision of a doctor. Progesterone injections can cause irritation and a rash, but this is quite rare.

Progesterone vaginally

The vaginal progesterone method is usually a gel or pill. This gel is FDA approved for use once a day for up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Most women who have used this gel believe that this gel is more convenient and comfortable than the other method.

The advantage of vaginal progesterone is its high uterine bioavailability because of its effect on the uterus before first metabolization in the liver. However, vaginal progesterone can also cause unpleasant vaginal irritation, with less systemic side effects. And since progesterone has a half-life of about 13 hours, it is usually given daily at a dose of 90 to 400 mg.

Side effects of progesterone therapy

Progesterone therapy may cause some side effects in pregnant women. Although this is quite rare, you should still know to note:

Vaginal discharge after injection

Discomfort at the injection site

Tired

Headache

Asleep

Nausea…

Ways to prevent natural preterm birth

Here are a few ways to prevent a natural preterm birth:

Maintain a healthy diet

Adhere to the routine pregnancy check-up

Seek medical attention immediately when there is an abnormality

Treats and prevents health conditions such as diabetes , high blood pressure and depression.

The hormone progesterone works to improve cervical health and ensure a healthy pregnancy. However, you also need to consult your doctor carefully before doing this to avoid side effects.