Discovering you are pregnant while still taking birth control can be an unsettling experience. This situation is more common than many people realize, as early pregnancy symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked, especially when hormonal contraception might mask typical menstrual cycles. Understanding the implications can help alleviate anxiety.
Impact on Fetal Development
The primary concern is the potential impact on the developing fetus. Medical research generally indicates a low risk of birth defects or significant harm to the fetus from most common hormonal birth control methods, such as combined oral contraceptives, progestin-only pills, patches, or vaginal rings, if continued unknowingly during early pregnancy. This is because the hormones in these contraceptives are similar to those naturally present in the body and are primarily designed to prevent ovulation or fertilization, not to interfere with a fertilized embryo’s development.
The body processes these hormones relatively quickly, meaning fetal exposure is often limited once the birth control is discontinued. While some older concerns existed regarding specific hormones, current evidence does not support a significant link between hormonal birth control use in early pregnancy and birth defects or miscarriage. However, an intrauterine device (IUD) presents a different consideration. If pregnancy occurs with an IUD in place, there is a slightly higher risk of complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, or infection. Healthcare providers often recommend its removal during early pregnancy, if safely possible, to reduce these risks.
Considerations for the Pregnant Parent
Continuing birth control briefly during early pregnancy typically poses no adverse health effects for the pregnant individual themselves when it comes to hormonal methods. The primary consideration for the pregnant individual is often the delayed recognition of pregnancy, which could potentially impact the timing of initial prenatal care.
If an IUD is in place when pregnancy is discovered, leaving an IUD in during pregnancy can increase risks for the parent, including a higher chance of infection or miscarriage. In rare cases, pregnancy with an IUD can also increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus, which requires immediate medical attention.
Next Steps to Take
Upon discovering pregnancy while taking birth control, the most important immediate step is to stop using the birth control method. This applies to pills, patches, rings, or injections.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They will confirm the pregnancy, assess the specific situation, and provide personalized guidance. This consultation will also initiate discussions about prenatal care options, which are important for a healthy pregnancy regardless of prior birth control use. Open communication with your healthcare team is important for ensuring appropriate care.
Understanding the Situation
It is possible to become pregnant while using birth control, despite its high effectiveness. This can occur due to various factors, such as missed doses, inconsistent use, or, rarely, method failure. For instance, while birth control pills are over 99% effective with “perfect use,” their “typical use” effectiveness can drop to around 91%, meaning about 9 out of 100 women might get pregnant in a year. This scenario is not uncommon, and it is often attributed to the effectiveness of birth control in masking early pregnancy symptoms by regulating menstrual cycles.
In most cases, continued hormonal birth control use in early pregnancy does not lead to negative outcomes for the baby. The hormones primarily prevent conception and typically do not harm a developing embryo. Confirm the pregnancy and consult with a healthcare provider promptly for personalized advice and reassurance.