What Would Happen If You Took Birth Control During Early Pregnancy?

Although the odds of getting pregnant while using the birth control pill are quite low, it can happen. Not knowing you're pregnant, you might continue taking oral contraceptives. Taking birth control during pregnancy is not recommended, but in general, it is not cause for great concern.

  1. Effectiveness

    • According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the birth control pill is 99 percent effective when used correctly. However, with typical use that can include missed or unabsorbed pills, the effectiveness rate drops to about 92 percent. As a result, it is not uncommon for birth control to be taken during the early stages of pregnancy.

    Birth Defects

    • Studies have not shown an increased risk of birth defects as a result of taking birth control pills in early pregnancy. A 2008 study published in "Human & Experimental Toxicology" concluded that exposure to oral contraceptives after conception "does not appear to increase the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes."

    Lower Birth Weights

    • While birth control use has not been shown to increase birth defects, a 2009 study published in the "European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology" concluded that "the use of oral contraceptives near the time of conception may be associated with an increased risk of low birth weight and preterm birth."

    Pregnancy Tests

    • According to MayoClinic.com, you can get an accurate pregnancy test result while taking the pill because the hormone detected by pregnancy tests is not influenced by birth control pills.

    Discontinue Use

    • Discontinue the use of birth control pills as soon as pregnancy is suspected. Continue using back-up methods of birth control, such as condoms, until pregnancy is confirmed. Please consult with your doctor if you have concerns about the effects of birth control use on pregnancy.

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