Publication:

Use of progestogens in pregnancy and its maternal and fetal outcome

Background Progesterone is a crucial hormone in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. In early pregnancy, progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum and suppresses the maternal immune system, enabling the embryo’s survival. Later in pregnancy, progesterone is produced by the placenta and plays a role in the relaxation of smooth muscle cells, ensuring myometrial quiescence until delivery.

Methods A prospective randomized control trial was done on 100 pregnant women attending the OPD, after written informed consent from the patient, using SPSS software and satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria are taken and were grouped under A -Control group (50) in whom no treatment was given and B-Study group (50) in whom progesterone was given in the form of injection or tablet and followed up till delivery at Navodaya Medical College Research Centre, Raichur, India.

Results There was statistically significant difference found between group A and B with respect to outcome of miscarriage and pre-term birth with p value 0.004 and 0.025 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference found between groups with respect to NICU admission/RDS.

Conclusions The study concluded that progesterone is crucial for luteal phase support and maintaining pregnancy, reduces uterine contractility, thus preventing miscarriage, preterm birth and neonatal morbidity and mortality.