Is It Safe to Take Susten or Proluton in the Second Trimester?

One of the most anxious conversations in our pregnancy community wasn't about scans or symptoms. It was about a small tablet or injection that many moms had been quietly taking for weeks — progesterone — and whether it was still safe to continue into the second trimester.

"My doctor said to stop after 16 weeks." "Mine said continue till 32 weeks." "I'm on Proluton injections and I'm 22 weeks — should I be worried?"

Sound familiar? Here's what you need to know.

What are Susten and Proluton?

Both are progesterone supplements. Susten is an oral or vaginal tablet. Proluton Depot is an intramuscular injection. They both do the same job: supplement the progesterone your body produces naturally, which helps maintain the uterine lining and support the pregnancy — especially in early weeks when the risk of miscarriage is highest.

Why are they prescribed?

Doctors prescribe progesterone supplements for several reasons: a history of miscarriage, IVF pregnancy, a faint line on an early pregnancy test suggesting low hormone levels, low-lying placenta, or simply as a precautionary measure based on the patient's history. In India, Susten in particular is prescribed very commonly — often from the moment a positive test is confirmed.

Is second-trimester progesterone safe?

Yes. Multiple women in our community were on Susten well into the seventh and even eighth month, as prescribed by their gynaecologists. The safety profile of progesterone supplementation in pregnancy is well-established. There is no evidence of harm to the baby from Susten or Proluton when used as prescribed.

The key phrase: as prescribed. The duration and dosage are decided by your doctor based on your individual history — your placenta position, previous pregnancy complications, and how your current pregnancy is progressing. What's right for one woman's 28-week pregnancy may not be appropriate for another's.

When does it typically stop?

There is no single universal answer, which is exactly why this causes so much confusion in communities. Many doctors taper progesterone between 12 and 16 weeks once the placenta takes over hormone production. Others continue it through the second trimester for women with low-lying placenta or a history of pregnancy loss. Some continue it until 32–34 weeks. Your doctor's decision is based on your specific case.

Key takeaway: Susten and Proluton are safe in the second trimester when prescribed. If you have concerns about duration, ask your gynaecologist directly — not the lab, not the group chat.