Progestogens May Help Prevent Premature Child Birth

Researchers now recommend the administration of progestogens to avoid premature birth. According to the results of a study reported in Obstetrics & Gynecology, pregnant women who have a history of premature childbirth may be administered progesterone to avoid calamity and to enjoy its benefits.

In a pregnant woman the level of progesterone, a female hormone, increases naturally. This hormone is present at all times during the menstrual stages; its principle role is to maintain pregnancy. Normally progestogens are administered to pregnant women at the start of the second trimester and are continued through 37 weeks gestation or until the birth of the child.

In 34 earlier studies which were carried out between January 1966 and October 2011 on women who were administered progestogens for prior preterm births, preterm labor, short cervix, multiple gestations or other indications. Each study comprised of over 20 women who received progesterone by injection, through vaginal or oral administration.

One study carried out in 2009, published in The Lancet, revealed that progesterone does not help avoiding premature childbirth in women who are pregnant with twins.

“Although the report has revealed some important findings more research is needed to understand its broader role” remarks Frances E. Likis, leading author and research assistant professor of Medicine. She says, "While we know that women have progesterone levels that go up in early pregnancy and remain elevated, we still don't understand why giving extra progestogens would help them stay pregnant. The pharmaceutical effects are not well understood."

The study has helped generate hope in women who have failed to carry a pregnancy through. After all being a mother is a dream that most women nurture!

Source-Medindia