Despite their high effectiveness, pregnancy can still occur while using birth control. Individuals often search for answers when their bodies exhibit changes that could indicate pregnancy, even while diligently taking their birth control. This situation often leads to confusion, as early pregnancy symptoms can sometimes overlap with the known side effects of hormonal contraceptives. Understanding the typical signs of pregnancy and how birth control can influence these symptoms is important.
Common Pregnancy Signs
A missed menstrual period is one of the most recognized early indicators of pregnancy. However, this symptom alone is not definitive, as various factors can cause a delay. Nausea and vomiting, often called “morning sickness,” can begin around four to six weeks into pregnancy and may occur at any time.
Breast tenderness and swelling are also common, often feeling similar to premenstrual changes. Fatigue is another prevalent symptom, especially during the first trimester, due to significant hormonal shifts. An increased need to urinate frequently can develop early in pregnancy because of increased blood volume, leading the kidneys to process more waste.
Changes in taste and smell are also observed. Individuals might develop a metallic taste, crave new foods, or suddenly dislike foods and drinks they once enjoyed. Heightened sensitivity to certain smells, such as cooking odors, can also trigger nausea. Mild cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, may occur, sometimes accompanied by light spotting, known as implantation bleeding.
How Birth Control Affects Pregnancy Symptoms
Hormonal birth control methods, such as the pill, patch, or ring, introduce synthetic hormones into the body. These hormones primarily prevent ovulation, meaning an egg is not released from the ovary. They also thicken cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus, and thin the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
These synthetic hormones can cause side effects that resemble early pregnancy symptoms, creating confusion. Irregular bleeding patterns, including light bleeding or a missed period, are common birth control side effects and can be mistaken for implantation bleeding or a missed period. Nausea is another shared symptom; birth control can cause nausea, similar to morning sickness.
Breast tenderness or swelling can also be a side effect of hormonal birth control, mirroring breast changes associated with early pregnancy. Fatigue and headaches are common experiences for individuals on hormonal birth control due to altered hormone levels, which are also general symptoms of early pregnancy. These overlapping symptoms make it challenging to differentiate between birth control side effects and actual pregnancy.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Given the overlap in symptoms, a home pregnancy test is the most reliable way to determine if pregnancy has occurred while on birth control. These tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta after a fertilized egg implants. For the most accurate results, it is recommended to take a test after the first day of a missed period.
While some early-detection tests claim accuracy a few days before a missed period, waiting until after your period is due increases the concentration of hCG in your urine, making detection more likely. Taking the test first thing in the morning can also improve accuracy, as urine is more concentrated at that time. Home pregnancy tests are highly accurate, 99% effective when used correctly. If an initial test is negative but pregnancy is still suspected, repeating the test after about a week or consulting a healthcare provider for a blood test, which can detect lower levels of hCG earlier, is advisable.
Next Steps After a Positive Test
Receiving a positive home pregnancy test result while on birth control warrants immediate action. The first step is to contact a healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy. A doctor can perform a blood test, which is highly accurate, and conduct a physical examination to confirm the pregnancy and assess overall health.
Once pregnancy is medically confirmed, it is recommended to discontinue birth control under medical guidance. While taking oral contraceptive pills in early pregnancy is not linked to increased risks of birth complications, stopping the medication is advised. The healthcare provider will discuss options, provide information on prenatal care, and guide the individual through the subsequent stages of pregnancy.