Progesterone Levels During Pregnancy
Contents:
- About Progesterone During Gestation of a Baby
- What is the Norm of Progesterone During Pregnancy?
- Deviations From the Norm During the Childbearing
- Increased Progesterone Level
- Lower Progesterone Level
Progesterone Level in Pregnancy
Progesterone is the main hormone that favors the process of gestation of a baby, so it is often referred to as the "pregnancy hormone." The most important impact it has on the initial stage, during the formation of the body of the future baby. Progesterone is particularly significant in this period of time, since by virtue of the insufficient level of production, it could lead to disruptions of the progress of pregnancy.
In small amounts, it is also available in the male body, his adrenal glands produce it. An adult male representative progesterone level remains at a level from 0.32 to 0.64 nmol/L. However, in women it's level is much higher, since it is produced by adnexa. This hormone is regularly changing its level, it is determined by the phase of the menstrual cycle, and also by the presence of pregnancy.
About Progesterone During Gestation of a Baby
After each ovulation – the period when the mature egg leaves of the follicle and expects the sperm in the adnexa then the so called "yellow body" begins to form. If pregnancy does not occur, then after twelve to fourteen days the formed corpus luteum dies, it is determined by the fact that menstruation begins.
This corpus luteum produces the progesterone, therefore, during ovulation, the level increases, thereby achieving maximal exponents. With the conception progesterone production continues, thereby increasing its level.
And this is done so that fertilization cannot occur without the presence of a certain amount of progesterone, hence the implantation of the egg will not be executed. Thus, conception occurs or spontaneous pregnancy termination is completed.
To avoid this, the corpus luteum begins to actively produce the female hormone. So the following happens – progesterone promotes "transformation" of the body of the future mother, creating the best conditions for the process of conception and of gestation of a baby.
This helps to stop muscle contractions of the uterus, which becomes elastic, and the uterus is at the stage of preparation for the strong growth. Progesterone affects the functioning of the nervous system in women during pregnancy, thus preparing them for maternity process, including changes and sebum secretion. Blood viscosity is favorable for progesterone, the level of which corresponds to the norm, and in particular the concentration of sugar in the blood.
In addition, a large number of studies carried out by doctors proved that between premenstrual and climacteric syndrome there is a connection, which is associated not only with the varying levels of estrogen but also with deficiency and the concentration of the hormone in the body. Therefore, the content in the body of the normal level is not only important during pregnancy, but also during the whole life period.
What is the Norm of Progesterone During Pregnancy?
Progesterone levels determine gestational age. When this process occurs without various deviations, it is not necessary to determine its level. In case if the doctor has suspicion regarding the availability of various hormonal disorders, the expectant mother will be assigned to do the corresponding analysis. A treating doctor will perform decoding of the received results.
That is when the conception of the egg has already realized, the corpus luteum grows, therefore, the level of progesterone in the body of the future mother, too, will increase accordingly. This process is observed throughout the entire period of gestation of a baby.
The development of this hormone is performed by the corpus luteum in the first period, and by the placenta it begins to take place since the sixteenth week, by that time it will already be formed. Excess of indicators of progesterone number will be observed in the second and third trimester.
During the gestation of a baby certain level of standards of this hormone are determined: initially it may remain from 8.9 to 468.4 nmol/l, second – from 71.5 to 303.1 nmol/l, and the third – from 88.7 to 771.5 nmol/l. In case of any deviations from these provisions, it may indicate the presence of various kinds of disruptions, and possibly even some complications.
Deviations From the Norm During the Childbearing
During normal production of progesterone, that is, in the required amount, the process of pregnancy proceeds without complications, this has all the favorable conditions. The processes which take place in the body of the future mother are corrected immediately for a gestation process, development of the baby takes place in a timely manner, that is no reason for the appearance of any troubles.
Certain drugs are able to adjust the level of progesterone in the required direction. Therefore, the doctor who examines the results of the analysis, must be informed about the medications taken by the pregnant woman.
Increased Progesterone Level
As previously mentioned, that hormone levels, in particular increased, indicates the presence of pregnancy. In the case when the fact of pregnancy is not checked, then the woman should undergo a series of inspections to identify a variety of diseases.
Increased progesterone levels during pregnancy may indicate about certain deviations observed in the development of the placenta, as well as the presence of cysts in the corpus luteum.
Lower Progesterone Level
If the expectant mother is found with a reduced levels of progesterone, it may indicate the following:
- the corpus luteum or placenta is functioning ineffectively;
- there is a risk of miscarriage;
- fetal development may lag;
- overgestation.
The most dangerous period is the twentieth week, as in this period the dependency on the level of this hormone is very big. The most likely risk of miscarriage is noted during this period. In case of problems with the level of progesterone expectant mothers are assigned to receive appropriate medications, while the doctor performs a thorough supervision.
In the course of preparation for the delivery of the analysis of progesterone it should be remembered that the examination is carried out on an empty stomach. A few days before the procedure you need to refrain from being jaded, both emotionally and physically, excluding hormonal drugs. Do not do yourself any conclusions regarding the results of the analysis, better trust an experienced doctor!