Will I Miscarry If I Stop Taking Progesterone After IVF?

You’ve made it through stimulation, egg retrieval, transfer, and now—those crucial early weeks of pregnancy. But as your doctor mentions tapering off progesterone, a new wave of anxiety hits: What if I miscarry after stopping progesterone? Is my body really ready?

These are normal fears. Progesterone plays a critical role in the early stages of pregnancy—especially after IVF. So let’s walk through how it works, when it's safe to stop, and why (in most cases) you can breathe a little easier.

Why Is Progesterone Used in IVF?

Progesterone is often called the “pregnancy hormone” because it helps:

• Prepare the uterine lining for implantation

• Support the embryo in the early weeks

• Prevent uterine contractions that could interfere with implantation

In IVF, your body doesn’t always produce progesterone naturally—especially in a frozen embryo transfer (FET) or if ovulation was suppressed. That’s why progesterone is supplemented, usually starting after egg retrieval or before transfer.

How Long Do I Need to Take It?

Most IVF protocols prescribe progesterone through week 8 to 10 of pregnancy, sometimes longer. By this point, if the pregnancy is progressing normally, the placenta takes over progesterone production—a shift called the luteal-placental transition.

This transition typically happens between weeks 8–10, and by week 12, your placenta is fully in charge.

Will I Miscarry If I Stop Too Soon?

Stopping progesterone too early (especially before week 7–8 in a medicated FET) may increase the risk of miscarriage or failed implantation. But when it’s stopped under medical guidance, after the luteal-placental shift, research shows no increase in miscarriage risk.

If your clinic says it’s safe to stop progesterone, it’s because they’ve likely confirmed that:

• Your hCG levels are rising appropriately

• Your early ultrasounds show normal development

• Your body (and placenta) is now producing enough progesterone naturally

Trust that they’re tailoring your care based on science—not guesswork.

What If I’m Still Nervous?

You’re not alone. Many people feel safer continuing progesterone “just in case.” If your provider supports it, they may allow a slower taper or extend supplementation a bit longer for peace of mind.

That said, progesterone can have side effects—like fatigue, bloating, or mood swings—so continuing it longer than needed isn’t always ideal.

Always talk to your clinic before making changes on your own. Abruptly stopping without guidance can cause hormone fluctuations that aren't helpful.

Final Thoughts

Progesterone is a vital part of early IVF support—but it’s not forever. When your doctor says it’s time to stop, it usually means your body is ready to take over. And no, stopping at the right time won’t cause a miscarriage.

👉 Inside our Fertility 101 course, we walk through every stage of the IVF journey—from hormones and timelines to emotional support and what to expect after transfer.

You deserve to feel informed and supported at every step—and we’re here to make sure you do.

FAQ

When is it safe to stop progesterone after IVF?
Usually between weeks 8–10 of pregnancy, once the placenta has taken over hormone production.

What if I stop progesterone and then miscarry?
If stopped under medical guidance, it's unlikely to be the cause. Most early losses are due to chromosomal issues, not hormone levels.

Can I taper off slowly instead of stopping suddenly?
Yes—many clinics allow tapering. Talk to your doctor about a schedule that works for you.

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