Taking Duphaston While Pregnant: What You Need To Know

If you're wondering whether to take Duphaston while pregnant, you need to read this first

Posted on

11 July 2019

by Clarice Awa

Taking Duphaston While Pregnant: What You Need To Know

Pregnant? Congratulations!

You probably have thousands of questions right now; from what vitamins you need to take, to the best position for sleeping and even what skincare you can use.

And for any mum-to-be who is taking medication, however, it's important to understand if you can continue the course of treatment throughout pregnancy. After all, you want to ensure you and baby are kept healthy until delivery.

If you're taking Duphaston, here's everything you need to know about whether it's safe to consume during pregnancy.

What is Duphaston?

Duphaston tablets act as an artificial replacement to the female hormone progesterone if the levels are low. Duphaston is used to treat the ailments caused by the lack of this hormone, such as menstrual disorders (irregular or missed periods), abdominal pain while pregnant, difficulty in conceiving, and frequent miscarriages. Other signs of low progesterone levels include decreased libido, gallbladder issues, and weight gain.

Taking the medication is expected to reduce the risk of miscarriages, abortions, infertility in women, abnormal bleeding, and help ease menstrual cramps.

How does Duphaston work?

Duphaston tablets help in regulating the hormonal balance in the female body by behaving as a hormone substitute, increasing progesterone levels. It copies what progesterone hormones do for your body in regards to regulating ovulation and menstruation. It helps in stimulating the uterus lining to thicken and accept a fertilised egg and prevents muscle contractions in the uterus so that the egg won't be rejected.

Women who have low progesterone and succeeded in conceiving are at a higher risk for a miscarriage or premature birth, as the progesterone helps protect and maintain the pregnancy.

What are the side effects of Duphaston

Taking Duphaston with some other substances and medical conditions could lead to certain side effects, such as:

Nausea
Depression
Liver problems
Headaches and dizzinesss
Difficulty peeing
Breast pain
Missed menstrual cycles
Heavy menstrual flow
Skin allergies

Should you take Duphaston while pregnant?

Duphaston is not recommended for pregnant women to administer unless absolutely necessary, of which its benefits and risks which must be discussed with a doctor first.

Your doctor may have prescribed or recommended the medication for you as a method of protection on reducing the threat of miscarriage, particularly if you have a history of miscarriages or have low levels of progesterone. Taking the tablets typically helps maintain the pregnancy for it prepares and provides a supportive environment in your uterus.

When should you stop taking Duphaston while pregnant

If you've consulted with your doctor and found that you have a history of or you are at risk of miscarriage, do not stop taking Duphaston as per your doctor's prescribed intake.

However, if you are experiencing severe side effects, inform and seek alternatives from a health professional.

When should you not use Duphaston

Duphaston is not advisable for breastfeeding women.
The medicine may cause sleepiness and dizziness for some. Avoid taking it if you'll be engaging in any activities involving driving or operating machinery.
Duphaston is not recommended for females below the age of 18.
If you have an undiagnosed or untreated abnormal vaginal bleeding.
If you're trying to conceive and have a high level of progesterone hormones.
If you have a history of liver diseases, as it may worsen your condition. If the Duphaston is necessary, consult with your doctor for alternatives that will suit your clinical situation.

It is important to run through your family's health history as well as your own medical history with an informed doctor first before taking Duphaston.

*Our editors made all possible efforts to make sure that the information from this article is up to date and accurate. It should, however, not be treated as an alternative for professional medical consultation. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend that you seek your doctor or health provider's advice.