IVF medications to stop at 12 weeks, how sure can you go cold turkey?

[Jetexpress1]

I’m looming to the 12 week marker. In terms of stopping my IVF medication. I’m currently on Lubion once a day, 3 x 400mg of Cyclogest and 4 x 2mg of prognova. I’ve been told by my IVF clinic to stop cold turkey when I hit 12 weeks.. however, I’m really scared to do this.. my pregnancy journey has not been easy so far as I was experiencing heavy bleeding and severe cramping and my anxiety has heightened because I’ve suffered to miscarriages before. Did anyone win themselves off the IVF medication or did you go cold turkey? As far as my IVF clinic, I’m now in the hands of antenatal care, and I’m not sure which way to go in terms of progesterone as I feel like this is the only thing that’s keeping my pregnancy. Any advice would be helpful please?

[MrsOrangejuice]

Usually the placenta takes over from 8 weeks I think, and produces the hormones needed for the pregnancy. Many clinics though suggest a little later to be sure and also I think because it causes anxiety. Mine said I could stop cold turkey at 10 weeks or taper off over a week. However I got bleeding when I stopped the progesterone and it only went when I started taking the pessaries again - I didn't seem to need the lubion by that stage, and only needed one pessary to stop it happening. I had it investigated and turned out to be a growth on my cervix but my NHS hospital said I could stay on progesterone the whole pregnancy if I wanted as it was safe. The UK guidance was also updated a couple of years ago to say that women who have certain high risk pregnancies should be prescribed vaginal progesterone. So if you're worried and given your history, and experience this pregnancy I would ask you GP and/or consultant (you should get one if this was an IVF pregnancy) about staying on it and see what they say.

[Jetexpress1 in reply to MrsOrangejuice]

Thank you for thoughts this is super helpful

[DG2022]

I stayed on progesterone until 16 weeks (history of recurrent miscarriage)

Ask your consultant to stay on 2 x pessaries a day that’s what I weaned down too.

Everything else I came off at 12 weeks.

Good luck x

[Cutecolliedog]

I’m starting to think about this, my clinic said to stop all medication at 12 wks too! I am only 9 wks at moment but was thinking maybe I’d reduce it down slowly? Just to see if that makes me less anxious 🤪

[Boo718]

hello, I started weaning off the meds from 11 weeks then stopped completely at 12 weeks. I was on the same meds as you and I steroids too. Our little one is asleep as I type. Try not to worry I know it’s easier said than done xxx

[HollyT7]

I self weaned, I was told to stop earlier than 12 but asked for enough to take me to 12 weeks or I thought the baby would drop out.

There is also a follow on group you can join for pregnancy related questions and support now too; Fertility Network UK - Pregnancy Support 💚

[Leef86]

With my son I was told to come off progesterone after I had my 12 week scan, I was really nervous about it as had also suffered a miscarriage previously and had the poor sonographer assure me multiple times at the scan that it was ok to do it and that the placenta had looked to be working normally. I did stop the next day and everything was fine. I'm currently 16 weeks with number 2 and was told by the clinic I could stop all meds at 7 weeks when we had the scan at the clinic. They said this was because I'd had a natural modified transfer cycle so was producing progesterone myself anyway, but I was still quite startled. They also said I could continue with what I had left if I didn't want to stop cold turkey so that's what I did. The Utrogestan ran out before the Lubion so I suppose I did wean off and again it was all ok afterwards. That said if you're really anxious I think it's definitely worth speaking to your GP about the option of getting continued progesterone support, maybe at a lower dosage? If it will set your mind at ease I think it's a discussion worth having.

[ROHA87]

Take rest as much as possible.second dydrogesterone helps to prevent miscarriage but it's not available in UK. In India they prescribe it. You can search online Duphastone 10 mg 3 times a day .It's my own experience.

[Jetexpress1]

thank you all for the replies, I have spoken to my consultant and feel I will continue with pessaries till 16 weeks or once a run out but my IVF clinic assured me everything should be well to stop my other medications