How does the level of progesterone change during pregnancy in its early stages?
This hormone plays an important role in the process of conception and bearing of a child. It is especially important at the time of implantation of the fetal egg in the uterine endometrium. In addition, progesterone affects the health of the pregnant woman, in particular her nervous system, prepares the body for childbirth and breast-feeding.
The responsibility for producing progesterone in the required concentration is primarily ovaries and adrenal glands. In this case, the level of the hormone progesterone in the blood is unstable, and varies, depending on the situation. But at the onset of pregnancy, such fluctuations should not be, and the level of this hormone must match the period of pregnancy.
With an increase in the period, there is an increase in the concentration of this hormone. The peak of her falls on the last weeks of bearing a child. So, for example, at 5-6 weeks, normally the concentration of progesterone should be 18.57 nmol / l, and already by 37-38 week it is equal to 219.58 nmol / l.
To determine the level of the hormone for the duration of pregnancy, use a special table, which lists all the norms of the concentration of progesterone, literally from the first weeks to the birth itself.
What can low progesterone indicate during pregnancy in the early stages?
First of all, if after the analysis it turns out that the level of progesterone is lower than prescribed, doctors estimate such a state as the threat of termination of pregnancy. The thing is that progesterone is responsible for stimulating the growth of the uterus itself, preventing its premature contraction. Therefore, if its concentration is low, it is possible to develop spontaneous abortion, and the answer to the question of young mothers: "Can elevated progesterone interrupt pregnancy?" Is positive. At a later date, premature birth may occur.
In addition, a decrease in the level of this hormone can be caused by such violations as:
- retardation of fetal development;
- undeveloped pregnancy;
- ectopic pregnancy.
The abnormalities described above explain the fact why the level of progesterone falls during pregnancy.
Often, low progesterone is observed at the end of pregnancy, which is most often associated with perenashivaniem.
What can evidence an excess (increase) of progesterone in pregnancy?
Quite often it happens that after the tests, in the first trimester of pregnancy, it appears that progesterone is elevated, but there are no obvious signs. An example of such may be:
- impaired placenta development;
- kidney failure;
- problems of adrenal function;
- multiple pregnancy.
What should I consider when I pass the progesterone level test?
To obtain reliable results of the analysis, it is necessary to take into account a number of nuances that to some extent influence the hormone concentration indices.
First of all it is necessary to say that taking certain medicines, in particular hormonal drugs, can negatively affect the result of the analysis. In this case, the residual effect of taking such drugs can be observed after 2-3 months. Therefore, without fail it is necessary to inform the doctor who observes the pregnancy.