What HcG and Progesterone Levels Mean to Pregnancy

How to Keep Track and Potential Decisions that Must Be Made

When I found out that I was finally pregnant, my husband and I were overjoyed. We have been trying for nearly two years, and I have had three miscarriages since January 2006. Things have not been easy, to say the least. You can read the story of my journy to conception by going to this link. Thank goodness I found an Infertility message board on BabyCenter.com. The women there have not only become my friends; they have also become my support system.

Progesterone Problems
There are a variety of fertility problems that couples have. Men may have a low sperm count or low sperm motility. Of course, there are other problems that men may have, but this article is about women. And, don't get me wrong-- There are plenty of fertility problems other than low progesterone. However, low progesterone is what many infertility cases are attributed to.

So, what is progesterone? According to Dictionary.com, progesterone is "a hormone, C₂₁H₃₀O₂, that prepares the uterus for the fertilized ovum and maintains pregnancy." It's what increases the lining of the uterus and makes the embryo "stick" to the lining. If it's too low in the beginning of a pregnancy, chances are that the mother will miscarry. There are three different kinds of supplements that a woman can take in order to increase or just maintain a high progesterone level: oral supplements, vaginal suppositories and injections. All of these supplements, however, must be prescribed by a doctor.