Pregnancy is very important for couples looking forward in bearing their own child. Pregnancy can be terrifying for those for the first time. There can be many issues relating to pregnancy that can cause problems, starting from the first few weeks of pregnancy till the time to deliver the baby. Supplements such as vitamins and minerals may seem like the only added nutrient needed for a pregnant mother as they usually need supplements to support themselves and their baby but some mother-to-be may need more than that such as certain medicine. Medicine such as duphaston 10 mg is nothing new in pregnancy. The question now is, is duphaston good for pregnancy?
To answer this, we have to know a bit more about duphaston first. Duphaston contains dydrogesterone. Dydrogesterone is a man-made or synthetic for progesterone. Progesterone is a natural hormone that plays a role in the female reproductive system. In short, dydrogesterone works similarly to progesterone in the human body to provide the effect of the natural 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.
Menstruation may seem like nothing to do with pregnancy but we all know the fact that ovulation is part of what makes pregnancy a success. Hence, duphaston helps to regulate the menstruation cycle and increase chances for pregnancy. Apart from that, 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 support pregnancy. It also is believed to help treat possible immunological issues arising from potential abortion by preventing body immune response from rejecting the pregnancy.
Hence, it can be said that Duphaston is indeed good for pregnancy. Dose and duration of treatment depends on the medical conditions of the mother. It is recommended that those with habitual abortion use one tablet twice a day until the 12th week of pregnancy. Treatment typically starts even before conception occurs. Dose recommended for threatened abortion is 4 tablets at once and then one tablet every 8 hours until symptoms subside. It is important to talk with a 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 the mother’s health condition. It is important to take this medicine regularly and preferably at the same time of the day to maximise the effect.
Duphaston is considered a hormonal therapy. The thing about hormonal therapy is the possible side effects that could affect the mother themselves. This includes changes in vaginal bleeding between regular menstrual periods (metrorrhagia), sensitive or painful breast 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 any of the side effects gets worse or patients feel very sick after taking duphaston, these need to be addressed to a healthcare provider.
Duphaston is a common drug to help pregnancy. Even so, it is not odd to see this drug to be prescribed for those not in pregnancy as it is used to treat many other issues related to fertility and reproductive health. Prescription of duphaston in pregnancy is often based on the mother’s previous history of previous abortion, current symptoms of possible abortion or have been proved with less progesterone status. It is vital for patients to take duphaston as instructed by doctors, this means to follow dosage and duration of the treatment. Following a doctor’s instruction can help minimise the side effects of the drug and ensure the drug works optimally. Any symptoms affecting pregnancy and when it is unsure, should be discussed with the doctor for further information and examination. It is always best to be safe and extra cautious than to be sorry and have regret in later days.
Although it is true that medication such as duphaston can help solve reproductive health problems, the wise choice is to take preventative measures to lower the chances of experiencing it. Such measures include practising healthy eating habits, being physically active, learning how to cope stress and to avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and unhealthy food. A healthy pregnancy starts with a healthy body even before pregnancy develops. A healthy body means a healthy female now and in the future.
