Pregnancy can be terrifying especially for a first time mother-to-be. There can be many issues surrounding pregnancy starting from the first month till the time they are ready to deliver the baby. While most mothers may not need more than just supplements such as vitamins and minerals to help them have a healthy pregnancy, some may need certain medicine to help them maintain their pregnancy. One of the medicines used to help maintain a pregnancy is duphaston 10 mg.
Duphaston contains dydrogesterone. Dydrogesterone is a synthetic for progesterone. Progesterone is a natural hormone that plays a role in the female reproductive system. In short, dydrogesterone works similarly like progesterone in the human body to provide the effect of the progesterone hormone. Dydrogesterone may affect the menstrual cycle by regulating the progesterone levels to stimulate ovulation in those having problems with their menstruation and improve premenstrual syndrome. It works by regulating the womb lining process of growth and shedding. This also helps restore normal menstrual cycle before reaching menopause.
You may wonder if duphaston seems to work more on menstruation, what does it have to do with pregnancy knowing pregnancy does not involve menstrual cycle? Duphaston is used in pregnancy to prevent cases of potential abortion such as threatened abortion and habitual abortion that is caused by lack of progesterone hormone. Threatened abortion is characterised by vaginal bleeding during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy that can be caused by small falls, injuries or stress during the first trimester. Habitual abortion is defined as miscarriage of 3 or more consecutive pregnancies in the first 20 weeks from the last menstrual period. Duphaston provides progesterone that supports the uterus function to bear children. It also is believed to help treat possible immunological issues arising from potential abortion by preventing body immune response from rejecting the pregnancy.
Dose and duration of treatment depends on the medical conditions a person is facing. The recommended dose for those with habitual abortion is one tablet twice a day until the 12th week of pregnancy. Treatment is usually started before conception. Recommended dose for threatened abortion is 4 tablets at once and then one tablet every 8 hours until symptoms subside. It is important to talk to your doctor regarding the dose and duration of treatments. It is worth noting that the above recommended dose may change to your needs based on doctors’ evaluation towards your health condition. It is important to take medicine regularly and preferably at the same time of the day to maximise the effect.
Since duphaston is considered a hormonal therapy, it does come with possible side effects. Common side effects include changes in vaginal bleeding between regular menstrual periods (metrorrhagia), sensitive or painful breasts and headache. Other side effects are nausea, skin rash and liver problems characterised by extreme tiredness, abdominal pain and yellow tinge of the skin or to the white area of the eye (icterus). If side effects get worse or you feel very sick after taking duphaston, do tell your healthcare provider.
It can be concluded that duphaston is a common drug used to help with pregnancy although it may seem that it is always prescribed for those not in pregnancy to treat many issues relating to fertility and reproductive health. Usage of duphaston in pregnancy is often backed up by history of previous abortion, current symptoms of possible abortion or have been proved with less progesterone status. It is important to take duphaston as directed by doctors. Failing to do so might result in failure of the treatment. If you are unsure of symptoms affecting your pregnancy, you can always speak to your healthcare provider for further information and examination. Better be safe than sorry.
Pregnancy is certainly an individual experience. A first time mother should not feel they are hopeless knowing this is their first time. Believe it or not, even mothers that are pregnant for the second, third and so on, still will have doubts or worries knowing there can be anything that could happen. The big differences between the first time mothers and experienced mothers only lies on experiences, and even so, so varies between a mother and another. The best way to understand if your pregnancy is healthy or not, by no other way, is to seek a doctor and make sure to attend every checkup.
There is a lot of advice to be taken by a pregnant mother to ensure their pregnancy goes well and the delivery process will be smoothen. Since there is a lot to do, it can be quite overwhelming at times. Remember to take one thing at a time and know that little step counts. Below are tips to have a healthy pregnancy:
- Educate yourself by reading more about pregnancy. You can always ask your healthcare provider should there be any enquiry.
- Take daily prenatal vitamins such as prenatal multivitamins.
- Practise healthy eating habits by eating food rich in vegetables, fruits and protein while staying low in saturated fat.
- Attend prenatal care checkups.
- Stay active by doing physical activity. Ask your doctor what physical activity is suitable for you.
- Remember to take plenty of rest and good quality sleep.
- Learn to manage stress levels by taking things easy and ask help or support from loved ones.
