Many women have this question: is taking birth control during pregnancy harmful? Can the medication harm the baby or the progress of the pregnancy if conception occurs while using it? In the vast majority of cases, when there is a failure in using the 21-day birth control pill or even the contraceptive injection, this can trigger ovulation. This risk happens because the discontinuation of adequate hormonal levels may allow the ovulatory process to begin. But if ovulation happens, can taking birth control during pregnancy be harmful to the baby?
The answer is no! All birth controls are made based on hormones1. Even though they are synthetic, they are similar to those produced by the body. Their composition may include two types of hormones, progesterone and estrogen. For this reason, they do not harm the baby or the pregnancy in a short period of time. However, it is not advisable for a woman to continue taking birth control during pregnancy or for prolonged periods.
Recent studies have found that excessive use of hormones during pregnancy can affect fetal growth2. They can also affect the proper formation of reproductive organs, especially in boys. Female hormones can alter the main characteristics of boys, so the best thing to do is always monitor if there is any suspicion of pregnancy. Although considered safe, doctors always recommend starting the medication after the first day of the menstrual cycle, to avoid situations like this. We should remember that the menstrual period is counted from the first day of fresh blood and not from spotting, if this is usual.
But we can say that if a woman gets pregnant and continues using birth control without realizing she is pregnant, there is about a 12% risk of harming the baby. This occurs with long-term use of the medication together with the pregnancy. These are rare cases, involving women who do not realize they are pregnant and continue active contraceptive use, usually with high doses of hormones like injectable birth control. Even so, the risk remains low, but the use should be discontinued as soon as there is suspicion of a developing pregnancy.
When Should You Suspect Pregnancy Even While Using Birth Control?
Women who use birth control incorrectly are more likely to experience ovulation and consequently, get pregnant while using the medication. The well-known missed pill or injection increases the chances of pregnancy, and then the question comes up: is taking birth control during pregnancy harmful? If you are forgetful and missed a pill by more than 12 hours, then you do run the risk of having become pregnant. Risky intercourse includes those that happen starting from 5 days after the missed dose.
However, even if taking birth control during pregnancy is not harmful, it is best to avoid other medications that are also hormone-based, such as cicloprimogyna for example. Like most birth controls, it should only be taken after the menstrual period begins. This ensures there is no risk of taking this or other hormone medication if the woman is pregnant.
Another hormone-based medication that can be harmful during pregnancy are ovulation inducers3. If used at the start of pregnancy, they are capable of inducing miscarriage due to their composition. Never use ovulation inducers if you haven’t had a proper period, and in case of doubt, consult your doctor to check what’s going on. Unsure whether you are using birth control during pregnancy? Then consult your doctor to do a beta HCG test and an ultrasound if necessary.
