Keep your unborn healthy

Progesterone is a natural hormone that plays a very important role in pregnancy. However, the use of synthetic progesterone during pregnancy is contraindicated (not permitted) except in rare cases of proven deficiency. In the United States, a study has shown a two-fold increase in genital malformations among boys born to mothers who took progesterone shortly prior to or during early pregnancy.

In addition, cases of cleft palate, cleft lip, ventricular septal defect (hole in the heart), virilisation of female foetus, foetal death and spontaneous abortion have been reported in women using progesterone. These defects occur because progesterone, whether taken orally, vaginally or rectally gets absorbed into the blood stream of the pregnant woman, crosses the placenta and reaches the foetus at supraphysiological (more than natural) levels of hormone.

The cost of producing a strip of 10 tablets of progesterone 100 mg is less than Rs 18 while it is sold for Rs 180. Due to its huge profitability, some drug companies in India are promoting progesterone as if it is a tonic for women during pregnancy!