Duphaston in pregnancy

Let's talk about whether it is really necessary to take Duphaston during pregnancy.

Unfortunately, many women have difficulties with conceiving and bearing a child. According to statistics, such problems are found among 15-20% of married couples. But we must pay tribute to modern achievements in medicine, many such issues are successfully resolved by prescribing qualified appropriate treatment.

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Duphaston or Utrozhestan during pregnancy: which is better?

If there is a deficiency of natural progesterone in the body, one of the medications is usually prescribed to compensate for the deficiency of this vital hormone. The most popular ones during pregnancy are Duphaston and Utrozhestan. Let's analyze the mentioned medications separately.

Duphaston is a drug for internal use, has progestogenic activity in relation to the mucous membrane of the uterus. It is well accepted by the body, does not affect the health of the liver, normalizes the condition of the endometrioid tissue, does not disrupt the onset of the menstrual and ovulatory period, increases the chances of successful conception, reduces the risk of miscarriage and frozen pregnancy.

It differs from Utrozhestan in that Duphaston does not have a tranquilizing effect on the nervous system and is not a tocolytic. It does not cause estrogenic, corticosteroid or anabolic effects on the body.

Unlike Duphaston, which contains dydrogesterone, Utrozhestan consists of the active substance progesterone. This is a hormone formed in the corpus luteum, placenta and adrenal glands. Progesterone and dydrogesterone have different chemical structures due to only one methyl group, so no significant differences in the action of the drugs have been recorded.

Utrozhestan has an advantage in the form of release: capsules can be taken orally or, in case of toxicosis and problems with the digestive system, intravaginally instead of suppositories.

Duphaston increases the resistance of brain tissue to damaging factors. It practically does not cause side effects and has no androgenic effect.

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Duphaston and Metipred during pregnancy

Metipred is a preparation of the adrenal cortex hormone methylprednisolone. It is an active glucocorticosteroid used in the process of pregnancy planning mainly as an inhibitor of male sex hormones or as an immunosuppressant.

The immunosuppressant properties of metipred allow the drug to be used during pregnancy, when there is a risk of rejection of the fetus by the body's overly active defenses. Methylprednisolone artificially suppresses the immune system, thereby helping to maintain pregnancy.

Another important property of metipred in the case of a possible conception is considered to be the reduction of the probability of formation of adhesive disease in various inflammations. Metipred also has an anti-inflammatory effect, in addition, it ensures the balance of all types of metabolism - water, mineral, fat, protein and carbohydrate.

Duphaston and metipred during pregnancy complement each other, creating a favorable background for the development and course of pregnancy, increasing the woman’s chances of successfully carrying the child to term.

Divigel and Duphaston during pregnancy

Divigel and Duphaston during pregnancy is a fairly common combination of drugs, since the necessary balance of progesterone and estrogens is extremely important for successful conception. The lack of progesterone is compensated by the appointment of Duphaston, and the deficiency of estradiol is compensated by Divigel.

Divigel is an estradiol preparation, produced in the form of a dosed gel, which is applied in a thin layer directly to the skin. When the substance is applied, the alcohol quickly evaporates, and the hormone is absorbed into the skin, penetrating into the bloodstream. This use of the product eliminates the effect of enzymes on the drug during passage through the gastrointestinal tract, as well as avoiding the initial stage of liver metabolism.

During the combined use of Divigel and Duphaston, it is recommended to conduct periodic blood tests for the content of estrogens and progestogens.

Should I take Duphaston during pregnancy?

Whether to drink Duphaston during pregnancy is decided exclusively by a gynecologist. In most cases, dydrogesterone, which is part of the drug, in the required doses helps to maintain and successfully conduct pregnancy, normalizing the content of progesterone in the blood.

Duphaston can be prescribed in case of threatened miscarriage, for the prevention of miscarriage during artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization, especially if such cases have already occurred in a woman.

If Duphaston is prescribed and taken under the supervision of a specialist, it can and should be used during pregnancy.

Effect of duphaston on pregnancy

Repeated scientific studies confirm once again that the effect of duphaston on pregnancy is generally favorable. This drug "prepares the ground" for successful conception, attachment and bearing of the future child.

The use of Duphaston significantly reduced the percentage of spontaneous abortions in the first trimester, and also reduced the risk of morphofunctional disorders of the fetus and maternal placenta due to various pathological processes.

The intake of additional doses of progesterone (dydrogesterone) helps the placental membrane to create a timely hormonal, oxygen and nutritional balance for the developing fetus. Due to this, babies carried while taking the drug have normal weight, physiological and mental development indicators at birth.

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Frozen pregnancy with the use of duphaston

The main functional purpose of Duphaston is to prevent the threat of spontaneous termination of pregnancy and, whenever possible, to preserve it.

If signs of a frozen pregnancy are detected, Duphaston is cancelled for the body to naturally rid itself of traces of the failed process. This drug itself cannot provoke a frozen pregnancy, rather, on the contrary, it creates the prerequisites for the normal course of pregnancy and the full development of the future child. Duphaston is considered the No. 1 drug for the threat of pregnancy, and this has been proven more than once by leading world experts.

Duphaston for termination of pregnancy

Duphaston is a preparation of the hormone of the corpus luteum of the ovaries, adrenal glands and placenta progesterone, which is in no way a contraceptive or a means for terminating pregnancy. Dydrogesterone is designed to maintain pregnancy and help cope with any threats of its termination.

Duphaston for ectopic pregnancy

During an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg begins to develop outside the uterus. As the process grows, there is a risk of rupture of the organ in which the pregnancy is developing.

When an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, all medications are stopped, including Duphaston, and the extent of the necessary surgical intervention is determined.

Duphaston, as a medical drug, does not have a provoking effect on the development of ectopic pregnancy. Its development is determined by completely different factors, for example, obstruction of the fallopian tubes, the presence of inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs, adhesions or anomalies in the structure of the genitals.

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Duphaston during pregnancy with spotting

With the onset of pregnancy, women may notice the appearance of brownish discharge. In the 1-2 week of pregnancy, this can be explained by the body's attempt to rebuild itself into a new state, when a radical change in hormonal levels occurs.

But do not forget that bloody discharge can be a formidable symptom of an impending miscarriage or a sharp drop in the level of hormones in the blood. At the slightest opportunity to save the pregnancy, the woman will be prescribed Duphaston or another progestogen drug to stop the threat of spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

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Duphaston for fibroids during pregnancy

How does duphaston affect a benign tumor, in particular, a myoma? This problem has not yet been sufficiently studied. However, experts are inclined to assume that progesterone taken in excess of the therapeutic dosage promotes the growth of an already existing uterine myoma. At the same time, progesterone preparations in small doses, on the contrary, inhibit its growth and development.

It should be noted that duphaston for myoma during pregnancy should be prescribed only strictly individually, according to the data and indications, weighing the risk of complications and the possible benefit for the normal course of pregnancy.

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Is Duphaston harmful during pregnancy?

Despite some isolated negative comments about treatment with Duphaston, which can be found mainly on social networks, experts still consider the drug to be absolutely safe and harmless during pregnancy. Scientific statistics, over many years of using Duphaston in gynecology and reproductive medicine, do not describe a single case of the drug's negative impact on the process of conception and bearing a fetus. Duphaston is absolutely not harmful during pregnancy, and sometimes is simply necessary for the normal development of the baby. Naturally, when taking it, it is essential to monitor the hormonal level in the blood of a pregnant woman.

Instructions for duphaston during pregnancy

When used internally, Duphaston has a selective effect on the endometrium, while simultaneously preventing the existing danger of excessive proliferation of the endometrium or malignancy of healthy cells due to excess estrogen.

Duphaston does not have contraceptive properties, does not suppress the ovulation process and does not disrupt the menstrual process.

The drug is easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, the highest concentration is observed within two hours after taking the tablet. Metabolism occurs in the liver, excreted from the body mainly through the kidneys, the excretion period is up to three days.

Scheme for taking Duphaston during pregnancy:

• for endometrial-like tissue proliferation, take 1 tablet 2 to 3 times a day, from the last day of menstruation to the 25th day of the cycle, or constantly;
• for luteal phase deficiency, 1 tablet per day from ovulation to day 25 of the cycle. Recommended for 6 months in a row, and also, in case of successful conception, during the first trimester of pregnancy;
• in case of a threat of spontaneous abortion, take 4 tablets at once, then 1 tablet 3 times a day until the threat ceases;
• For treatment and prevention of uterine bleeding, take 1 tablet 2 times a day for a week.

The dosage of Duphaston during pregnancy is determined exclusively by a gynecologist based on the diagnosis, clinical symptoms and mandatory blood tests for the content of estrogen and progestogen hormones.

How to take Duphaston during pregnancy?

If Duphaston was prescribed before pregnancy, then its use must be continued until the 16th week. The dose taken is calculated by the doctor based on the level of progesterone in the patient's blood.

If the expectant mother did not use progesterone preparations before pregnancy, and then it turned out that the hormone level decreased due to some reason, then in this situation Duphaston is also prescribed in accordance with its content in the blood, up to 24-25 weeks of pregnancy.

How much to drink duphaston during pregnancy?

Your doctor will definitely tell you about the duration of use of Duphaston during pregnancy, based on the results of tests and the condition of the pregnant woman. Usually, the drug is prescribed in the first trimester of pregnancy for successful attachment of the fetus and formation of the placenta. Then, according to indications, it is possible to use Duphaston in the second trimester for the prevention and treatment of the threat of miscarriage. After 36 weeks of pregnancy, the use of the drug is discontinued.

What to do if you missed taking Duphaston during pregnancy?

If you accidentally missed a dose during treatment with Duphaston (forgot, failed, or for another reason), it is recommended to take the required dose of the drug within the next 6 hours. If more than 6 hours have passed since the required dose, then you do not need to take an additional pill, just continue to adhere to the usual prescribed regimen for taking the drug. And try not to forget about the need to take medications in the future!

How to stop taking Duphaston during pregnancy?

The withdrawal of Duphaston during pregnancy is carried out gradually, with a slow reduction in the dose of the drug. For example, if a pregnant woman took 2 tablets per day, then this dosage is reduced to 1.5 tablets, and after a week to 1 tablet. Thus, the intake of the drug is gently reduced to zero.

The drug can only be discontinued on the recommendation of the attending physician, if the patient's blood hormone levels are normal. The discontinuation regimen can last for several weeks.

It should be remembered that abrupt discontinuation of any hormonal drugs can lead to irreversible consequences.

Side effects of duphaston during pregnancy

Side effects of Duphaston during pregnancy are quite rare and, as a rule, are eliminated by adjusting the dosage of the drug. When used in small doses, diffuse uterine bleeding is possible, which passes after increasing the dosage. Enlargement and soreness of the mammary glands, spasmodic headaches, pain in the epigastric region are possible. Less often - skin rashes as a result of allergies, or fluid accumulation in tissues, swelling of the legs, arms. An increase or decrease in sexual desire may be observed.

Overdose of Duphaston during pregnancy

At the moment, there are no cases of overdose of duphaston during pregnancy. In case of a single accidental use of the drug in a significant dosage, it is necessary to wash the stomach with a large amount of water, provide the victim with rest until the unpleasant symptoms disappear. It is possible to additionally prescribe medications that act on the existing clinical symptoms of poisoning. There are no special drugs that neutralize duphaston that has entered the body.

Contraindications to taking Duphaston during pregnancy

The main contraindication to taking Duphaston during pregnancy is a tendency to allergic reactions to any of the components of the drug. You should be careful with increased individual sensitivity of the body.

Progesterone preparations are not prescribed to patients with rare Rotor and Dubin-Jones diseases, severe liver diseases and dysfunctions, malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands and genitals. Treatment is carried out with caution in patients with active vascular thromboembolism, as well as with severe thrombophlebitis and a tendency to thrombosis.

Usually, the use of Duphaston is stopped from the 36th week of pregnancy, or in the case of a frozen or ectopic pregnancy, as well as in the event of bleeding of unknown origin.

Duphaston when planning pregnancy

Duphaston is widely used when planning pregnancy. After all, it is progesterone that prepares the endometrium for the implantation of the egg, accelerates its development, improves tissue nutrition, and reduces the tone of the uterus. Its positive effect on the immune interaction of the expectant mother and the embryo has also been proven. The drug is prescribed for infertility due to a lack of progesterone produced in the body. This condition is called luteal phase deficiency of the menstrual cycle.

The usual course of taking the drug during planning is at least six months.

As a rule, take 1 tablet per day from the moment of ovulation until the 25th day of the menstrual cycle.

If pregnancy occurs successfully, the drug is continued to avoid possible problems: miscarriage or fetal death.

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Duphaston in early pregnancy

The synthetic progesterone contained in the drug duphaston plays one of the most important roles in the early stages of pregnancy. First of all, it helps the pregnant woman to bear the child. The drug relaxes the uterine muscles and reduces the strength and frequency of its contractions, which greatly reduces the risk of premature spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

In addition, Duphaston blocks the immune response of the woman’s body, which prevents the destruction of the developing fetus by immune agents.

During pregnancy, the use of the drug should be carried out under mandatory control of the hormonal balance in the body and basal temperature indicators.

Duphaston in late pregnancy

The duration of use of Duphaston directly depends on the course of pregnancy. As a rule, it is used until 16-20 weeks. During this period, the formation of the placental layer ends, which independently begins to synthesize progesterone. Sometimes, according to indications, taking the drug is delayed, but after 36 weeks the prescription is canceled in any case.

Duphaston does not have a teratogenic effect on the fetus in late pregnancy.

Does Duphaston help to maintain pregnancy? Of course, yes. It is not for nothing that progesterone, a synthetic analogue of which is part of Duphaston, is called the "female pregnancy hormone". It not only helps to maintain the fetus, but also supports its nutrition and development.

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Reviews of Duphaston during pregnancy

You can read many comments about taking Duphaston. The reviews are very diverse, sometimes even diametrically opposed in opinions.

About 30% of women who took this drug are absolutely sure that it allowed them to maintain their pregnancy. About the same number of women argue about the advisability of the doctor's prescription of Duphaston, while not complaining about its effectiveness. Women's statements that the drug could not prevent spontaneous termination of pregnancy occupy the third position on the list. The rest of the pregnant women believe that it is quite possible to get pregnant and carry a fetus without using any hormonal agents, including Duphaston.

Doctors' reviews of duphaston during pregnancy

Duphaston has been used for successful pregnancy development for at least half a century. During this entire time, the drug has been studied, tested, and valuable experience of its use in gynecology and reproductive medicine has been accumulated. Duphaston has proven itself as a highly effective analogue of progesterone, with a minimum of side effects and contraindications.

Real reproductive specialists and gynecological endocrinologists definitely consider the drug effective and irreplaceable in many situations. Its benefits for maintaining pregnancy are undeniable.

Negative reviews, sometimes found in the comments, often belong to incompetent or insufficiently qualified doctors who have little experience and a lack of information.

If your gynecologist prescribes hormonal drugs for you, you should not be afraid of this - the health and safety of your future child is at stake.

However, do not take these medications on your own, they must be prescribed by a doctor. Follow the recommendations of a specialist, do not be afraid to take duphaston during pregnancy, and let the period of bearing a baby not bring you any troubles.