Will missing a 3 milligram (mg) dose at night and taking it the next morning instead cause problems in early pregnancy?

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Last updated: December 1, 2025View editorial policy

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Missing a Single Nighttime Dose of Progesterone in Early Pregnancy

Missing one 3 mg progesterone dose at night and taking the next scheduled dose the following morning will not cause problems in your early pregnancy. 1

Understanding the Timing and Risk

  • Your situation involves a dose that is less than 24 hours late, which is classified as a "late dose" rather than a truly missed dose, minimizing any potential risk 2, 1

  • Take your next scheduled 3 mg dose at 11 am as planned and continue with your regular dosing schedule 1

  • The gap between doses (approximately 24 hours from your morning dose to the next morning dose) maintains adequate progesterone levels to support early pregnancy 1

Why This Single Missed Dose Is Not Concerning

  • Progesterone supplementation in early pregnancy has a wide therapeutic window, and a single missed dose does not compromise pregnancy outcomes 2, 3

  • Studies examining progesterone for preterm birth prevention show that even with variations in dosing schedules, pregnancy outcomes remain favorable when overall compliance is maintained 2

  • The physiological changes of pregnancy create hormone reserves that buffer against brief interruptions in supplementation 3

What You Should Do Now

  • Continue taking your progesterone at 11 am daily without attempting to "make up" the missed nighttime dose 1

  • Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one 2, 1

  • Set daily reminders or alarms to help maintain consistent dosing going forward 1

  • Keep extra medication in multiple locations to ensure access 1

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

  • Contact your reproductive endocrinologist or obstetrician only if you experience unusual symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or cramping after missing the dose 1

  • If you miss multiple consecutive doses (≥48 hours without progesterone), contact your provider promptly 1

  • Document this missed dose to report at your next routine appointment 1

Important Context About Progesterone in Pregnancy

  • Progesterone plays a critical role in maintaining early pregnancy by supporting the endometrial lining and reducing uterine contractions 3

  • The route of administration (oral vs. vaginal) affects the drug's safety and efficacy profile, but both maintain adequate tissue levels even with minor dosing variations 3

  • Your early pregnancy is not at increased risk from this single missed dose, as the body maintains progesterone through multiple sources including the corpus luteum and developing placenta 3

References

Guideline

Managing a Missed Estrogen Dose During Pregnancy in Medicated IVF Transfer Cycle

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Hormones in pregnancy.

Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association, 2012

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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