Are Birth Control Pills Harmful During Early Pregnancy?
Overview
Many people worry about what happens if they take birth control pills before realizing they are pregnant. There is a lot of information online, and some of it can seem confusing. Research shows that taking birth control pills during early pregnancy does not increase the risk of birth defects.
Some studies suggest there could be a small risk of issues like low birth weight or preterm birth if someone takes birth control pills near conception. However, these risks are low, and most health experts say the overall risk to the baby is small.
Can Birth Control Pills Cause Harm in Early Pregnancy?
Most research shows that taking birth control pills during early pregnancy does not increase the risk of major birth defects. No clear evidence links oral contraceptives with a higher chance of causing serious problems for a developing baby. The hormones in birth control pills primarily work by preventing ovulation. These hormones do not cause miscarriages or stillbirth.
Some studies have looked at possible small risks, such as low birth weight, preterm birth, or urinary tract issues in newborns. However, health care providers generally do not see these problems happen more often in people who took birth control at the start of pregnancy. A simple table of findings:
| Risk Factor | Evidence Found |
|---|---|
| Major birth defects | No significant link |
| Miscarriage | No increased risk |
| Low birth weight | Possible, not proven |
| Preterm birth | Possible, not proven |
If someone finds out they are pregnant while taking oral contraceptives, experts recommend stopping the pills. The most important step is to confirm pregnancy early and talk to a doctor for advice.
There are also myths that birth control pills can end a pregnancy or will always cause harm if used early on. Research does not support these ideas. Birth control pills do not act as abortion pills and are not linked with causing birth defects if taken accidentally at the very beginning of pregnancy.
Birth Control Pills and Specific Pregnancy Outcomes
Research shows birth control pills taken accidentally during early pregnancy are unlikely to cause serious harm for most people. Some studies have looked at possible connections between the pill and pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and low birth weight.
Association With Miscarriage
Most evidence suggests that taking birth control pills before or during early pregnancy does not raise the risk of miscarriage. Both combined pills and progestin-only pills (like the minipill) have not shown a strong link to pregnancy loss. In studied cases, the rate of miscarriage in people who unintentionally continued using birth control pills when newly pregnant was similar to those who never used hormonal contraception.
Health care providers recommend stopping birth control pills as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. This is mainly due to a lack of benefit, not because of a known increase in miscarriage risk. If a miscarriage does happen, other factors are usually involved.
Risk of Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy happens when the embryo implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. Some forms of birth control, mainly progestin-only pills, could slightly affect the risk of an ectopic pregnancy if pregnancy occurs while using them. However, the overall risk remains low.
Most people who become pregnant while on the pill experience normal pregnancies. The chance of an ectopic pregnancy happening is rare. When it does occur, it is more often seen with methods like intrauterine devices (IUDs) rather than with oral contraceptives.
Doctors advise paying attention to signs of ectopic pregnancy, such as sharp abdominal pain or unusual bleeding, if pregnancy is suspected after using birth control pills.
Preterm Delivery and Low Birth Weight
There has been some concern that taking birth control pills very close to conception might affect the baby’s birth weight or lead to a preterm delivery. Some studies have hinted at a small rise in these risks, including low birth weight and urinary tract anomalies in newborns, when the pill is used around the time pregnancy starts.
However, recent reviews, including information from Healthnile, state that birth control pills are not commonly linked to major problems with birth weight or early delivery. The risk, if present, is considered quite low. Most babies born after unintentional exposure to hormonal contraceptives are healthy and have birth weights within the expected range.
What To Do If You Took Birth Control Pills and Are Pregnant
People sometimes find out they are pregnant after taking birth control pills. Knowing what steps to take next can help protect both their health and their baby’s health.
Immediate Steps After a Positive Pregnancy Test
If someone suspects pregnancy while on birth control pills, it is important to take a home pregnancy test or visit a pharmacy for a reliable test. Missing a period is a common early sign. Once pregnancy is confirmed with a positive test, stop taking birth control pills right away. Continuing the pills after confirmation is not recommended.
Write down details such as the date of the positive result and when birth control was last taken. This information is helpful for a health care provider. Most evidence shows that short-term use of birth control pills early in pregnancy does not increase the risk for birth defects or miscarriage.
When to Consult a Health Care Provider
It is important to set up an appointment with a health care provider soon after confirming pregnancy. Bring any details about the type of birth control pills used and instructions from the test.
A provider may order an ultrasound or blood test to confirm the pregnancy and check on its progress. The doctor can also talk about prenatal vitamins and the next steps for healthy pregnancy care.
Common Misconceptions and Myths
Many people believe false or outdated ideas about using birth control pills during early pregnancy. Misinformation can cause unnecessary stress and lead to poor decisions about reproductive health.
Impact on Fetal Abnormalities
A common worry is that taking birth control pills during early pregnancy causes birth defects. Research has shown that the risk of birth control pills causing birth defects is very low if taken before a woman knows she is pregnant. Most studies do not find a strong link between accidental pill use in early pregnancy and developmental problems in the baby.
The hormones in the pill are not linked to specific fetal abnormalities. If someone accidentally takes the pill without knowing they are pregnant, they do not usually need to end the pregnancy because of that exposure. Doctors recommend stopping the pill if pregnancy is discovered. However, worry about birth defects is often greater than the real risk.
Myths About Miscarriage
Some believe that using birth control pills during early pregnancy can cause miscarriage. This is not supported by scientific evidence. Birth control pills are designed to prevent ovulation and do not act as abortion pills. Accidental use of birth control pills is not linked to a higher risk of miscarriage.
Clarifying Emergency Contraceptive Effects
There is confusion between birth control pills and emergency contraceptive pills. The emergency contraceptive pill, sometimes called the “morning-after pill,” works mainly by preventing ovulation or fertilization. It is not the same as regular birth control pills.
Emergency contraceptive pills do not cause abortion or harm a developing fetus if taken when already pregnant. They also do not lead to birth defects in babies. Most health organizations agree that emergency contraception will not disrupt an established pregnancy or cause miscarriage.
Possible Side Effects and Rare Complications
Most people who take birth control pills experience only mild side effects. Some of the most common are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Spotting between periods
- Breast soreness
- Mild mood changes
Side effects do not always happen, and they often get better with time. Some people may notice mild bloating or weight changes. Rarely, more serious problems can happen. Blood clots, high blood pressure, and liver problems may occur, but these are not common.
If someone takes birth control pills during early pregnancy—often before knowing they are pregnant—research shows no strong link to major birth defects. Some studies suggest there might be a small risk for:
- Low birth weight
- Urinary tract problems
- Hypospadias in boys (a condition affecting the opening of the urethra)
Other uncommon effects, such as nasal irritation, have appeared in some reports but are not well linked to birth control use during pregnancy. The table below shows common and rare risks:
| Side Effect | How common |
|---|---|
| Spotting | Common |
| Nausea | Common |
| Headache | Common |
| Blood clots | Rare |
| High blood pressure | Rare |
| Urinary tract anomalies | Very rare |
| Hypospadias | Very rare |
| Major birth defects | Not proven |
