Every year, over 4 million babies are born in the USA, and we all want to welcome them into a safe and healthy environment. One important factor in achieving this is ensuring a full-term pregnancy.
A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered preterm, and this happens in about 12 percent of births in the U.S. While it might seem like a good idea to have the baby early, especially if you’ve faced some pregnancy issues, it’s generally better to wait. Preterm babies often face more health problems and may need a longer hospital stay compared to those born at full-term. Additionally, the earlier a baby is born, the more complications they may face. Preterm births are more common in pregnancies with multiple babies, increasing the risk significantly with twins and triplets.
Thankfully, there is a hormone called progesterone that may help prevent preterm births. Progesterone is crucial throughout pregnancy, aiding in the growth of the uterus and preventing early contractions, which can lead to miscarriage. Later in pregnancy, it helps ensure your baby gets enough oxygen and prepares your breasts for breastfeeding.
Women with a cervix shorter than 25 mm have a 50 percent chance of delivering preterm. The cervix usually shortens and thins gradually before opening during labor. However, in women with short cervixes, this process can start too early, leading to preterm birth. Short cervixes are typically identified via ultrasound. If you’re concerned about preterm birth, you can request an ultrasound to check your cervix length, which can help detect and address potential issues early.
Progesterone can be administered through shots or vaginal gel. Studies have shown that both methods reduce the likelihood of preterm birth compared to a placebo. Notably, a study focused on vaginal gel found it lowered the rates of both early and late preterm births, which is significant given the higher medical risks associated with early preterm births.
Progesterone shots are generally recommended for women who have previously experienced a preterm birth, starting between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy and continuing until 37 weeks. These shots have no noticeable side effects other than the discomfort of the injection itself, offering a good option for families looking to reduce the risk of preterm birth.
For those who haven’t had a preterm birth before, the vaginal gel is the preferred method. It is easy to use, similar to a tampon, with one gel pack inserted daily starting between 20 and 23 weeks of pregnancy, continuing until just before 37 weeks.
Both methods are considered safe and effective for women carrying a single baby. However, they are not recommended for women expecting twins, triplets, or more, as progesterone treatment has sometimes increased the risk of complications in these cases. If you’re interested in progesterone treatment or have questions, your best resource is your doctor. They have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through your pregnancy and ensure both you and your baby are healthy.
Ensuring your hormones are balanced and your uterus is ready to support your baby is essential for a successful pregnancy. The ultimate goal is a healthy baby, and progesterone can be a valuable tool in achieving that. Mothers at risk should be well informed about progesterone and its benefits to take full advantage of it.
