Taking Metformin while pg? what are your drs. saying?

[jbmom2006]

Hi everyone, I'm new the the board, and I recently had an ectopic pregnancy / early miscarriage. The good news is that metformin seemed to make a difference for me in terms of getting me to ovulate. We had been trying for just over a year before the metformin, and within two cycles of taking the metformin, I was pg (hooray!) Of course, a m/c was not exactly my ideal outcome.

Before even starting ttc, I had a discussion with the endo about taking metformin while pg. Mine advised that is wasn't approved during pg, and he acknowledged a lot of controversy on the subject of to take or not to take while pg, but didn't think there had been enough study on the matter to safely advise patients to take it while pg. So once I got pg, I stopped taking the metformin immediately.

Post m/c I had the same discussion with my endo. I was concerned that me stopping the metformin thrrew my hormones out of whack, and possibly contributed to my failed pregnancy. My endo assured me that the ectopic probably had nothing to do with me stopping the metformin. That said, he told me early studies have indicated that taking metformin during the first trimester may decrease miscarriage risk for PCOS patients, however he still feels that not enough research has been done on the issue to deem it "safe" to take during pg.

After enduring a painful (physically and emotionally) m/c I certainly would like to avoid another one. That said, I would never want to put a baby at risk either. So I am feeling really torn as DH and I embark on the road of ttc again. If I can get pg again, I would like to have this question answered in my mind ahead of time.

So what are your doctors saying on the subject?

[KellyandSven]

i stayed on metformin through the first trimester with my son. i went on to develop gestational diabetes in my 16th week. if i am so lucky as to get pregnant again, i will stay on metformin for the duration.

[JessicaH]

I was on met until 12 weeks with my daughter and I ended up being borderline diabetic. I plan on staying on it for my entire pregnancy next time as well.

[skusisto]

My RE advised to stay on it through the 1st trimester. There was also another study that said it may help with milk supply after delivery... so another potential benefit as PCOS can also impact millk supply.

[JessicaH]

I went on met the day Lily was delivered to help with milk supply. It didn't work for me. I'm hoping that being on it throughout a pregnancy might make a difference.

[Vero]

My doctor had initially advised me to take it until the end of my first trimester and I had planned to do so... but I got Hyperemesis Gravidarum and was so sick around week 8, that my doctor decided that since baby was doing great (and mom not so great!) it was better to stop Metformin to cut my stomach some slack and give it time to recover... I was VERY SCARED and didn't want to stop it, but in the end decided to take my doctor's advise.

I really hope I will not have milk issues, but I know it's one of the "wonders" PCOS has to offer... so I'll take and deal with things as they come

[pumpkinmum]

I took met during both of my pregnancies until the end of the first trimester. No supply issues for either. Good luck with your research. I sure some of the other more experienced members will be able to give you some better facts.

[jbmom2006]

Thanks ladies! It sounds like lots of you have taken or plan to take metformin during the first trimester, so I'm going to push my endo for more info on this.

[Chuckles76]

I stopped Met immediately after finding out I was pregnant, but took progesterone to keep the pregnancy. I too have had a m/c and it sucks! I feel for you. I was not planning on taking Met at all while pregnant, but started gaining too much weight in my 3rd trimester. As soon as I started on the Met again my weight gain slowed drastically. I know for myself it has been really beneficial. And my OB thinks it is a good idea for me to take it.

Funny though, I am starting to have symptoms of pre-e too. Now I am starting to wonder if it is related.....

Flavy- will you post a link to the book or article you mentioned about Met causing fetal harm? I am VERY interested in learning more.

[asley2010]

Originally Posted by jbmom2006

Hi everyone, I'm new the the board, and I recently had an ectopic pregnancy / early miscarriage. The good news is that metformin seemed to make a difference for me in terms of getting me to ovulate. We had been trying for just over a year before the metformin, and within two cycles of taking the metformin, I was pg (hooray!) Of course, a m/c was not exactly my ideal outcome.

Before even starting ttc, I had a discussion with the endo about taking metformin while pg. Mine advised that is wasn't approved during pg, and he acknowledged a lot of controversy on the subject of to take or not to take while pg, but didn't think there had been enough study on the matter to safely advise patients to take it while pg. So once I got pg, I stopped taking the metformin immediately.

Post m/c I had the same discussion with my endo. I was concerned that me stopping the metformin thrrew my hormones out of whack, and possibly contributed to my failed pregnancy. My endo assured me that the ectopic probably had nothing to do with me stopping the metformin. That said, he told me early studies have indicated that taking metformin during the first trimester may decrease miscarriage risk for PCOS patients, however he still feels that not enough research has been done on the issue to deem it "safe" to take during pg.

After enduring a painful (physically and emotionally) m/c I certainly would like to avoid another one. That said, I would never want to put a baby at risk either. So I am feeling really torn as DH and I embark on the road of ttc again. If I can get pg again, I would like to have this question answered in my mind ahead of time.

So what are your doctors saying on the subject?

Hi jbmom2006,
Don't worry so much about that!my older sister faced same case,but the doctor said it didn't affect strongly her next pregnancy.