Like a Punch in the Gut

If you have read my whole blog, then you already know some of this, but I'll re-tell the details anyway.

I was taking Provera when I was very newly pregnant with the baby we lost.  However, I did not know that I was pregnant at the time.  I took a test before starting the medication and it was negative.  I made the mistake of taking the test in the middle of the afternoon instead of the morning, though.  (It is recommended to test first thing in the morning when the hormone level is in highest concentration).  I was just positive there was no way I was pregnant.  Afterall, I had a huge cyst on my ovary and my temperatures were crazy.  I took Provera for 10 days and then waited for my period to arrive.  11 days later, I was still waiting and took another pregnancy test--it was positive.  I was thrilled, but at the same time terrified since I had been taking the Provera.  My OB's nurse assured me that everything would be fine.  Obviously that was not the case.

Then, tonight, I was reading about Provera again.  I came across this information, and now can't shake the sick feeling I have in my stomach.  It makes me feel like I caused the loss of our baby.

Provera should never be taken during pregnancy. Avoid it if you even suspect you're pregnant. Doctors once prescribed Provera as a test for pregnancy, but no longer do so for 2 reasons:

• Quicker, safer pregnancy tests are now available.
• If you are in fact pregnant, Provera might injure the baby.

Similarly, Provera used to be given to try to prevent miscarriage. However, doctors now believe that this treatment is not only ineffective but also potentially harmful to the baby.

You should never take Provera during the first 4 months of pregnancy. During this formative period, even a few days of treatment with Provera might put your unborn baby at increased risk for birth defects. If you take Provera and later discover that you were pregnant when you took it, discuss this with your doctor right away.