Lutein in pregnancy

Progesterone is a hormone necessary for the proper development and maintenance of pregnancy. If it becomes deficient, supplementation is necessary to reduce the risk of complications. The form of progesterone taken by mothers-to-be includes. lutein. Find out the effect of lutein in case of an at-risk pregnancy.

Lutein-what is it?

Lutein is the common name for progesterone, the female sex hormone. It is used for progesterone deficiency conditions both during and outside pregnancy. Progesterone in pregnancy is an essential hormone for sustaining pregnancy, including but not limited to. Preparing the endometrium for implantation (nesting). In turn, in the following weeks of pregnancy, it is responsible for inhibiting uterine contractile function by reducing sensitivity to oxytocin. Hence the indications in which lutein is used during pregnancy.

Lutein in pregnancy-when to use?

Lutein is used in women before they become pregnant in the case of so-called “pregnancy. Luteal insufficiency and inovulatory cycles. For some women, it is also included as a prophylaxis for the occurrence of recurrent miscarriages. However, scientific research on the effectiveness of progesterone in this situation is still inconclusive. Lutein in the first trimester of pregnancy is also used in cases of threatened miscarriage. Indeed, progesterone deficiency in the early weeks of pregnancy can affect abnormalities in placental development. Progesterone should also be used in the course of the in vitro fertilization procedure.

In the second half of pregnancy, progesterone is one of the methods of prevention of preterm labor (along with pessary and circular suture). In women who already have a history of preterm labor, progesterone is usually included in the first trimester of pregnancy.  

Read more:
Preterm labor – can it be prevented?

Lutein vs Duphaston- differences

Another progesterone-containing preparation used during pregnancy is Duphaston. However, it is not a natural hormone, but its synthetic counterpart, dydrogesterone. Lutein can be taken vaginally or sublingually, while Duphaston can only be taken orally. Hence the various side effects of the mentioned preparations. The use of lutein can lead to infections of the reproductive tract. Duphaston, on the other hand, can cause nausea or vomiting. Besides, the prices of the two formulations also differ. In most cases, however, a specific drug is suggested by the doctor taking into account the patient’s preferences, for example, on how to take progesterone.

Lutein in pregnancy-is it safe?

There are no studies that determine the harmfulness of lutein use during pregnancy or the negative effects on the developing fetus. Therefore, it is counted among the drugs that are safe for both the mother-to-be and the baby. Nonetheless, it should only be used in certain cases and when prescribed by a doctor.  

Read also:
Pregnancy at risk-what is it caused by?

Bibliography:

The use of progesterone in the prevention of preterm labor. Jakub Młodawski, Wojciech Rokita, Marta Młodawska; Gynecology and Practical Perinatology 2018 vol 3, no 3, pages 85-92