When To Stop Taking Progesterone During Pregnancy?
Progesterone is a “pregnancy-sustaining hormone” that plays a vital role in preparing the uterus for implantation, maintaining early pregnancy, and preventing miscarriage. But one of the most common questions women ask after a positive pregnancy test — especially those who have conceived through fertility treatments or have had previous miscarriages — is: “When should I stop taking progesterone during pregnancy?”
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from when to start progesterone, why it’s important, to when and how it should be stopped — all based on the latest medical guidelines, research, and clinical expertise.
Why Is Progesterone Important During Pregnancy?
Progesterone is essential for:
- Maintaining the endometrial lining for embryo implantation.
- Suppressing uterine contractions in early pregnancy.
- Supporting early placental development and fetal nourishment.
- Modulating the immune system to prevent maternal rejection of the embryo.
- Reducing miscarriage risk, especially in women with prior pregnancy losses.
- Preventing preterm birth in high-risk pregnancies.
Natural progesterone is produced first by the corpus luteum (early pregnancy) and later by the placenta (starting around 10–12 weeks of gestation).
When Is Progesterone Prescribed?
Progesterone supplements are typically prescribed for:
| Indication | Duration of Use |
| Recurrent miscarriage | From positive test until 12–16 weeks |
| Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy | Until 16 weeks, if criteria are met |
| Fertility treatments (IUI, IVF, ICSI, FET) | From ovulation/transfer to 10–14 weeks |
| Luteal phase deficiency | Until placental takeover at ~12 weeks |
| Prevention of preterm birth | From 16 weeks to 36–37 weeks |
Note: The duration may vary based on your individual history and protocol.
When To Stop Taking Progesterone During Pregnancy?
The most common and medically accepted time to stop progesterone is between 10 to 16 weeks of pregnancy. However, this varies depending on the reason for supplementation.
In Fertility Treatments (IVF, ICSI, FET)
- Discontinuation Timeframe: Usually between 10 and 12 weeks.
- Why: By this point, the placenta is developed enough to take over hormone production.
- Tapering or abrupt?: Many clinics advise a gradual taper, while others stop abruptly after 12 weeks — both are generally safe if the placenta is functioning well.
After Miscarriage or Bleeding in Early Pregnancy
- Discontinuation Timeframe: Often at 16 weeks, based on NICE guidelines and available research.
- Why: Clinical studies supporting progesterone for miscarriage prevention administered it until 16 weeks.
- Key Consideration: Progesterone is only effective in women with early bleeding and a history of miscarriage.
Prevention of Preterm Birth
- Discontinuation Timeframe: Continued until 36–37 weeks.
- Why: In high-risk cases, vaginal or injectable progesterone reduces the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery.
Is It Safe to Stop Progesterone Suddenly?
There is no strong evidence suggesting that stopping progesterone suddenly at 12 or 16 weeks increases the risk of miscarriage or pregnancy loss. However, many clinicians prefer to taper gradually to minimize patient anxiety and allow the body to adjust.
💡 Always consult your doctor before stopping. Individualized care matters more than one-size-fits-all protocols.
What The Guidelines Say?
| Organization | Guidance |
| NICE (UK) | Continue progesterone until 16 weeks in women with bleeding and previous miscarriage. |
| ACOG (USA) | Use progesterone to prevent preterm birth up to 36 weeks in high-risk women. |
| ESHRE | For IVF, stop at 10–12 weeks if pregnancy is stable. |
Conclusion: Follow Personalized Medical Advice
There’s no single “perfect week” to stop progesterone — because every pregnancy is different. While general timelines exist (like stopping at 12 or 16 weeks), the best decision comes from a thorough discussion with your fertility doctor or obstetrician.
Whether you conceived naturally, through IVF, or have had previous pregnancy losses, the decision to stop progesterone must be tailored to your gestational age, pregnancy health, and risk profile.
