What Happens When You Take Birth Control Pills While Pregnant
Birth Control is using any method to prevent pregnancy; it could be condoms, timing, withdrawal, surgical or hormonal form (drugs, patches, or implants).
The first type is barrier birth control, which involves Condoms, Cervical caps, Diaphragms, Sponges, and Spermicides. They are called barrier methods because they prevent the sperm from reaching the egg, thereby preventing fertilization. Unlike the other methods, these are safe for use during pregnancy, especially condoms that help prevent STIs, too.
Surgical methods involve a surgical procedure, usually minor. It is a highly effective method of birth control for both men and women. It could be vasectomy for men and tubal ligation tying the tubes. These methods are permanent and may almost be considered foolproof.
Timing methods involve timing sexual intercourse to part of a woman’s cycle considered safe or low risk. Couples identify a fertile window and avoid having penetrative sex or use condoms. This method requires careful tracking and isn’t as effective as some birth control options.
Hormonal birth control uses hormones to prevent ovulation. This is done by thickening the cervical mucus and altering the uterine lining to impede the fertilization process.
While these methods are very highly effective, they are not foolproof; as there have been cases recorded of women finding out, they are pregnant even after using one or all of the above methods to prevent conception.
When you find yourself among the few people who got pregnant even while on birth control, you should do the following:
- Take a test to be sure.
- If your form of birth control is the barrier type, i.e., there are no risks involved. Condoms are encouraged to prevent STIs during pregnancy.
- Stop using pills, and take out your implant or patch if that is your preferred form of birth control. Go to the hospital to have your implant removed and remove the patch yourself.
It is important not to worry too much about your fetus at this point because while it has been a source of controversy, many researchers still argue that there is no link between congenital disabilities and the use of contraceptives during early pregnancy.
However, not enough research has been conducted on later pregnancy, so it is difficult to ascertain possible effects.
It should also be noted that the absence of threats does not mean that you continue taking birth control.
Some women may need to use birth control for several reasons, some of which are as follows:
- Regulate irregular or painful periods, reducing cramps, bleeding, and mood swings.
Agonizing periods are already managed by pregnancy; while pregnant, your period stops, and a lack of period, of course, means no pain.
- Treat medical conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and acne.
For PCOS, your pregnancy may help you regulate your hormones and consequently its symptoms. This is all because the body tries to make the baby as comfortable as ever.
Still, consult with your doctor to know the best course of action for you during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a deeply hormonal process. Continuing to take birth control, especially one that affects your hormones, may affect your pregnancy by disrupting the hormonal balance.
Some older studies suggested a possible association between progestin-only birth control taken in early pregnancy and an increased risk of hypospadias, a congenital disability affecting the penis.
Fortunately, more recent and robust research has largely disproven this link. The majority of researchers now find no significant association between birth control use and congenital disabilities.
It’s crucial to note that the studies suggesting a risk involved progestin taken to treat infertility or prevent miscarriage, not birth control pills typically used for contraception.
Progestin-only birth control methods (like the mini-pill) may carry a slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy compared to combined hormonal birth control pills. However, the overall risk of ectopic pregnancy is still very low.
IUDs are a highly effective birth control method, but they can have some potential side effects. While rare, complications like miscarriage, preterm birth, and infections can occur. It’s important to discuss these risks with your doctor to determine if an IUD is the right choice for you.
In summary, while taking birth control pills during pregnancy is not advised, accidental use is unlikely to cause harm to the fetus. It is important to stop the pills once pregnancy is confirmed and seek medical advice.
