What Happens If You Take Birth Control While Pregnant?
Finding out you’re pregnant while taking birth control can cause a whirlwind of emotions and questions.
Some immediately worry about their baby’s health, while others might be unsure about what steps to take next. If this situation sounds familiar to you, take a deep breath.
The good news is that in most cases, taking birth control unknowingly while pregnant won’t harm your baby.
To help ease your concerns, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the potential effects, common misconceptions, and the steps you can take moving forward.
Understanding What Birth Control Does
Birth control, as the name suggests, is designed to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal forms of contraception, such as the pill, the patch, implants, or the NuvaRing, work by either stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, or creating a hormonal environment that makes pregnancy unlikely.
But no birth control method is 100% foolproof except abstinence. Typical use of birth control (which includes occasional incorrect use) can result in unintended pregnancies. For example, forgetting a pill or having a delayed injection can allow ovulation to occur.
If you become pregnant while still taking birth control, it’s typically because of these small gaps in effectiveness. Many women don’t immediately realize they’re pregnant, especially if they’re on hormonal contraception that stops periods, leading to accidental continuation of the method.
Can Taking Birth Control Harm the Baby?
This is the first and most pressing concern for most people in this situation. Rest assured, scientific research and medical professionals consistently state that taking birth control during the early stages of pregnancy is unlikely to cause harm. Here’s why:
1.Hormonal Birth Control Is Similar to Natural Hormones
The hormones in birth control, whether estrogen, progestin, or a combination, mimic the ones already present in your body.While these hormones affect ovulation and fertility, they do not interact with fetal development in harmful ways.
2.No Proven Link to Birth Defects
Several studies, including large-scale research, have found no significant increase in the risk of major birth defects among children born to mothers who took birth control early in pregnancy.
3.Older Concerns about Specific Hormones
Older studies raised concerns about progestin’s potential to cause a specific condition in male babies called hypospadias (where the urethra doesn’t open at the tip of the penis). However, more recent research, especially on modern low-dose contraceptives, hasn’t found any conclusive evidence supporting these claims.
⇒What About Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception (like Plan B) often gets questioned in these contexts. If taken after implantation has already occurred (i.e., after pregnancy begins), emergency contraception will not harm the fetus or cause a miscarriage.
These pills primarily work by preventing ovulation or fertilization, but they are ineffective if pregnancy is already established.
Risks Associated with Certain Types of Birth Control During Pregnancy
While most hormonal contraceptives are safe if accidentally taken during pregnancy, some forms of birth control may carry additional risks if left in place once the pregnancy is confirmed.
1. IUDs (Intrauterine Devices)
If you become pregnant while using an IUD, there’s a slightly higher risk of complications, including miscarriage, preterm birth, or infections. Removing the IUD early in the pregnancy lowers these risks significantly, so talk to your pregnancy doctor immediately if this applies to you.
2. Birth Control Implants (e.g., Nexplanon)
Though rare, pregnancy can occur with implants. Similar to IUDs, your healthcare provider may recommend removal of the implant to avoid any associated risks.
3. Progestin-Only Pills (Minipills)
While rare, minipills have been associated with a higher likelihood of ectopic pregnancies (where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus). Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can include sharp abdominal pain, dizziness, and abnormal vaginal bleeding, which require immediate medical attention.
Common Misconceptions About Birth Control During Pregnancy
“Taking Birth Control Will Cause a Miscarriage.”
This is not true. Birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives do not have the same functions or mechanisms as abortion medication. They are designed to prevent pregnancy, not terminate it.
“The Baby Will Definitely Be Harmed.”
Most women who accidentally take birth control during early pregnancy go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. If you discover you’re pregnant, discontinuing the birth control immediately is the most recommended course of action.
“I Did Something Wrong.”
Pregnancy while on birth control, though uncommon, happens and doesn’t reflect poorly on you. It’s a good reminder that no method is perfectly fail-proof, and sometimes our bodies or circumstances take us by surprise.
What Should You Do If You Think You’re Pregnant?
If you suspect you’re pregnant while taking birth control, here are the next steps to take:
- Stop Taking the Birth Control Medication
Even though it’s unlikely to cause harm, it’s better to stop as soon as you suspect or confirm pregnancy. Hormonal birth control is no longer necessary once you’re pregnant. - Take a Pregnancy Test
To confirm, use a home pregnancy test or consult your doctor for a blood test, which detects lower levels of pregnancy hormones and provides earlier results. - Schedule an Appointment with Your Doctor
Your healthcare provider will want to confirm the pregnancy, assess its location (to rule out ectopic pregnancy), and discuss any necessary changes to your prenatal care. - Ask Specific Questions About Your Contraceptive Method
While most methods don’t carry additional risks after discontinuation, your doctor is your best resource for personalized advice.
Ensuring a Healthy Pregnancy
If your pregnancy is confirmed, know that the primary focus can now shift to ensuring the health and development of your baby. A few key steps include:
- Starting a prenatal vitamin, especially one with folic acid, to support neural development.
- Attending regular prenatal check-ups to monitor your progress and the baby’s growth.
- Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated.
- Consulting your doctor before taking any other medications to ensure they are safe during pregnancy.
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Final Thoughts
Discovering you’re pregnant while on birth control is a scenario that many women face, and it’s normal to feel worried or unsure about what comes next.
The reassuring news is that for the vast majority of cases, taking birth control before realizing you’re pregnant is unlikely to harm your baby or affect your pregnancy’s outcome.
If this happens to you, focus on confirming the pregnancy, stopping the contraceptive method, and consulting with your healthcare provider.
With the right guidance and support, you’ll be on track for a healthy, informed, and empowered pregnancy experience.
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About Author
Dr. Supriya Puranik
Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist
MMC -072514 (1993)
Dr. Supriya Puranik, a renowned gynaecologist and infertility expert, leads the IVF & Gynaecology department at Sahyadri Hospitals Momstory in Shivaji Nagar, Pune. She is committed to helping couples overcome infertility challenges.
