AboutBrenda Expertise I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. In addition to that, I am a mother of two, ages 21 and 16, both of which I had hoped would be vaginal deliveries, but ended up being C-Sections... one of which had me in pre-term labor...another which was frank breech (bottom first)... one who rejected the breast... and so on... to list my personal experience would be a bit lengthy! I'd simply like to help anyone who might have a question or concern that I can draw on my expertise to answer!
Experience I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. My experience also includes approximately three years working in Behavioral Services.
Education/Credentials Graduated from the Mary Lanning School of Nursing in May 1988. Have been a licensed Registered Nurse in the state of NE since 1988.
Expert: Brenda Date: 6/25/2008 Subject: early pregnancy
Question I am 5 weeks pregnant and found out that my progesterone levels are at 8.3. I have a history of low levels and have taken as well as this time, prometrium 100 1/day. The levels were taken before I started the meds. Is this level normal for where I am in pregnancy?
Thanks
Answer Dear Darlene,
The normal values for progesterone in pregnancy are very broad and are as follows:
First Trimester- 9-47 ng/ml
Second Trimester- 17-147 ng/ml
Third Trimester- 55-200 ng/ml
Most doctors like to see an absolute minimum level of 10 ng/ml during the first few weeks of pregnancy (and sometimes more like 14). If a woman has low progesterone levels this can be an indication that the pregnancy is at risk and some doctors will prescribe progesterone to boost those levels in an attempt to sustain the pregnancy. Progesterone is first produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary and production from this site is necessary for the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. From implantation of the embryo onwards for 40 weeks the placenta takes over the production of progesterone. After week 8-9, you can often gradually taper off use of the supplement as the placenta takes over progesterone production.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
