Duphaston During Pregnancy

The delicate period of pregnancy is accompanied not only by vivid memories of the first ultrasound and the baby’s first kicks but also by the need for constant health monitoring. One of the most important indicators that must be kept within normal range is the level of progesterone.

If there is a disruption in hormone production, a gynecologist may prescribe Duphaston during pregnancy. Its active ingredient is dydrogesterone, which is well absorbed and more active than progesterone. It is used both during pregnancy planning and the pregnancy itself.

Why take Duphaston during pregnancy

Duphaston is often prescribed when planning a pregnancy. The drug prepares the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg and successful carrying of the fetus. But why is Duphaston prescribed during pregnancy?

Sometimes it is worth taking it when pregnancy has already occurred. One of the diagnoses that warrant a course is endometriosis in pregnant women. The medication increases the level of progesterone, which is responsible for the successful carrying of the pregnancy. A drop in this hormone significantly increases the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. 

The drug is also used during pregnancy via IVF or after habitual miscarriages preceding the pregnancy.

Effect of the drug on the fetus

Progesterone is the most important hormone produced during pregnancy. If the body cannot provide the necessary amount, Duphaston during pregnancy will help with this. An important advantage of the drug is that it does not affect the fetus.

Duphaston during pregnancy has neither positive nor negative effects on the child. It strengthens the walls of the bladder. However, alternative studies are currently being conducted which suggest changes in the child’s development after birth. Some researchers claim that drugs in this group can affect orientation changes, while others speak of more ‘down-to-earth’ consequences — liver function impairments. 

So, can you take Duphaston during pregnancy? According to approved studies, you can safely take the medication. Especially if the baby in the womb is otherwise healthy, and the risk of miscarriage exists due to the woman’s bodily features, increased stress, and other external factors for the baby.

How much to drink

Let’s note right away that only a doctor can prescribe the dosage of a particular medication. Even though the hormone is produced by a woman in any state, its overdose is as dangerous as low levels. Average indications for use are divided into two groups:

1. In cases of recurrent miscarriage, the drug is used from the first to the 20th week of pregnancy. Dosage — 10 mg 2 times a day.
2. If the risk of miscarriage arises for the first time, the doctor prescribes 40 mg at one time, and 10 mg every 8 hours. The application continues as long as miscarriage symptoms persist.

Of course, the medication should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor and within the timeframes established by them. Only a specialist can assess the situation, observe the dynamics, and create an accurate intake schedule.

When to Start

If a woman suffers from habitual miscarriages, it is advisable to take the medication at an early stage, ideally from the first day of pregnancy until the middle of the second trimester. A doctor’s prescription may also be required if there is a risk of miscarriage due to external factors. In such cases, the medication can be taken at any stage. However, it is more often prescribed at the planning stage of pregnancy, as its impact on the body is then at its strongest. 

When to Stop Taking

Duphaston during pregnancy is discontinued depending on the situation that prompted its prescription. 

1. When using the medication as an emergency means to maintain pregnancy, its use is discontinued as soon as symptoms are relieved.
2. If the medication is prescribed following progesterone level tests, usage may end after changes in the level. For this purpose, repeated tests are conducted, and the dynamics are observed.
3. If a woman has experienced several miscarriages prior to pregnancy, the medication is used from the 1st trimester until the 20th week.

It is important to remember that each pregnancy is unique. To determine a treatment course, it is necessary to study the instructions for use, consult a doctor, undergo tests, monitor the condition of the pregnant woman, and draw conclusions solely based on the clinical situation.

Dosages

How to take Duphaston during pregnancy can also vary depending on the indications and overall situation. According to the official instructions, the medication should be used in different dosages. For example, for regulating the menstrual cycle, secondary amenorrhea, or infertility — the medication is used once a day from the 11th to the 25th day of the cycle. In case of endometriosis or dysmenorrhea — twice a day from the 5th to the 25th day of the cycle, and so on. It is important to distribute the medication evenly throughout the day if multiple doses are needed. It should also be taken at the same time of day. 

Side Effects

Despite the medication being completely natural and safe for the child during pregnancy, Duphaston has a number of side effects. Among them:

1. Drowsiness.
2. Mood swings (often a worsening of mood).
3. Slowed reactions (it is not advised to combine medication use with driving).
4. Liver function disorders.
5. Increased sensitivity of the mammary glands.
6. Headache.
7. Nausea and vomiting.
8. In rare cases, weight gain.

The side effects of Duphaston during pregnancy do not affect everyone. However, it is worth being attentive to changes in your own body. As we mentioned above, you should not drive if you feel weakness or slowed reactions, as the effect of the medication is difficult to predict. Also, it’s important to reduce task responsibility and try to surround yourself with things and people that uplift your mood.

Contraindications

Duphaston during pregnancy has a number of contraindications to use. In the case of a hormonal drug, it is important to adhere to these and be sure to inform your doctor about their presence. 

1. Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
2. Use should be discontinued if the pregnancy is terminated.
3. Duphaston should not be taken during pregnancy if there are serious liver function disorders.
4. Individual sensitivity to any component of the medication.
5. The presence of possible or established malignant tumors.

You can review the full list of contraindications in the instructions for use. It is worth insisting on discontinuing Duphaston during pregnancy if you are aware of any contraindications. Remember that a healthy mother is essential for any child. Therefore, it is important to take care of your well-being throughout the pregnancy as much as the baby’s condition. 

Duphaston Alternatives

In some cases of contraindications, the medication can be replaced with another treatment. Additionally, replacing Duphaston during pregnancy helps in cases of allergic reactions to certain components, as well as its absence in the pharmacy (when the medication is simply necessary). We have compiled several drugs similar at the ATC 4th and 3rd levels. 

Drugs similar by ATC level 4:

• Savis tablets 2 mg.
• Demetrio tablets.
• Dienogest Alvogen tablets.
• Endometrin.
• Mitren
• Visann tablets 2 mg.
• Dienogest Alvogen tablets.

Drugs similar by ATC level 3:

• Oxiprogesterone Capronate.
• Progesterone oil 1% 1 ml in amp.
• Progesterone oil 2.5% 1 ml in amp.
• Ingesta Oxy 12.5% in ethyl oleate 1 ml in amp.
• Norkolut tablets 5 mg №20 (10×2).
• Orgametril tablets 5 mg №30 (30×1).
• Progestin-Kr gel, 10 mg/g 40 g in tubes.
• Luteina tablets 50 mg №30 in container.
• Luteina vaginal tablets 200 mg №30.

Remember that each drug has its indications and contraindications. The drugs may also vary in dosage and method of administration. Before replacing prescribed Duphaston during pregnancy, contact your doctor and consult for the best alternative.