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.

[Guzadog]

My doctor told me to take it until 13 weeks because it decreases the risk of miscarriage for PCOS patients (apparently it doesn't make sense to start it once you get pregnant but best not to stop it once you get pregnant). For the second trimester, she said there were less studies so that most doctors suggest you stop.

I've done some googling on it and there are studies which seem to bear this out - it may be interesting to ask your doctor/RE if they are familiar with some of the latest stuff (although I realise this may be delicate!).

Some links I've found which seem to bear out that metformin can decrease miscarriage and not harm the baby in the first trimester (I haven't found evidence that it can harm taken after the first trimester, but there are less studies out there apparently):

http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/2006/Feb/vol5...clinical-1.asp

http://books.google.ca/books?id=drxN...m=10&ct=result

I'm sorry to hear about your loss last time - sending you baby dust and sticky dust as you begin the journey again.

[trying hard]

My RE also instructed me that if I do get pregnant again she wants me to stay on the Met until 12 weeks...

[knutfugget]

I took Metformin until 11 weeks with my son to help prevent miscarriage. I had lactation failure with him. There is some evidence that taking Metformin throughout pregnancy could help with milk production, so I am doing that this time. I am also insulin resistant and take Metformin when not ttc, so my midwife feels like I should always take it to treat my IR.

I think it's fairly common for women with PCOS to take Metformin throughout the first trimester to help prevent miscarriage. It's less common to continue the Met throughout pregnancy, unless you have issues with IR or diabetes. I have not personally heard of or seen any serious side effects listed for taking it during pregnancy. One report I read said it could possibly lower the baby's blood sugar levels, but that a mother with IR/diabetes having her blood sugar levels going uncontrolled could be a much bigger risk to the baby.

For me, the IR & lactation failure make Met a good idea, but obviously not everyone is in the same boat. I think you have to weigh the risks on your situation and go with what you feel is best.