It is common for individuals to wonder about the safety of using birth control during pregnancy. Understanding the facts about birth control and its interaction with pregnancy is important for expectant parents. This information helps clarify common concerns and guides individuals on appropriate steps if they find themselves pregnant while using contraception.
Is Birth Control Safe During Pregnancy?
Birth control methods are designed to prevent pregnancy, not to be used once a pregnancy has begun. Hormonal contraceptives, such as pills, patches, or rings, work primarily by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining to hinder sperm or implantation. Once conception occurs, these mechanisms are no longer relevant, and continuing birth control offers no benefit. Healthcare providers advise against continuing birth control once pregnancy is confirmed.
While birth control methods are highly effective, they are not foolproof; pregnancies can occur even with correct use. Hormonal methods like pills, patches, or injections are over 99% effective with perfect use, but this drops to around 91% with typical use. If pregnancy is confirmed, the immediate recommendation is to discontinue the birth control.
Unintentional Birth Control Use in Early Pregnancy
A frequent scenario involves unknowingly continuing birth control use during the very early stages of pregnancy, before detection. Medical research indicates that unintentional exposure to hormonal birth control during early pregnancy is not linked to an increased risk of birth defects or other adverse outcomes for the developing fetus.
The hormones in birth control pills (estrogen, progestin, or a combination) are similar to those naturally present in the body. These low doses do not interfere with early fetal development. Most major organs form during the embryonic stage (weeks 3-8), with many largely formed by 12 weeks. Since pregnancy is often detected around 6-8 weeks, much of this early development may have already occurred. While some older studies suggested a slight increase in certain birth defects like hypospadias with progestin use, more recent and larger studies do not corroborate these findings.
What to Do If You’re Pregnant and on Birth Control
If you suspect pregnancy while on birth control, first take a home pregnancy test. If positive, stop taking birth control immediately. For methods like implants or IUDs, removal by a healthcare provider is necessary.
After discontinuing birth control, confirm the pregnancy with a healthcare provider. This may involve blood tests (detecting pregnancy earlier than urine tests) or an ultrasound. Schedule an early prenatal appointment to ensure proper care. Many providers schedule the first visit around 6-12 weeks after a missed period. This appointment confirms viability, assesses overall health, and establishes a personalized prenatal care plan.